§ 37. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the President of the Board of Education if he will make inquiries as to what other countries in the world commence compulsory education at the ago of five; and whether he can give the comparative ages at which compulsory education starts in the principal countries of Europe, in the United States of America, and Canada?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANSo far as I am aware, this is the only country in which compulsory education begins at the age of five. I understand that the age is fixed at seven in Denmark, Norway, Holland and Poland, and at six in France, Germany, Italy and most other European countries. It is fixed at six in some Canadian towns and at seven in the rest of the Dominion, while it varies between six and eight in the different American States.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it correct that, as has, I believe, been publicly stated, if the age here were raised to six there would have been ample accommodation under the new proposals for all children, without any further expense of any kind?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it the fact that in Germany, where the compulsory age is only six, there is a general provision of nursery schools all over the country for children between three and five?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANThere are a great many more than there are here yet.
§ Sir G. DALRYMPLE-WHITECan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the starting age in Russia?
§ Lord EUSTACE PERCYIn order to make the matter clear, may I ask whether it is not the case that attendance at nursery schools in Germany is compulsory?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANNo, I do not think so; I imagine not. I do not think that that was the hon. Member's question.