54. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the President of the Board of Education how many local authorities have submitted programmes covering the period 1930 to 1933; and how many of these programmes indicate that these local authorities will be able to carry into effect their schemes of reorganisation by April 1931?
§ Sir C. TREVELYAN202 local authorities have submitted programmes, of which 162 are complete and 40 partial or preliminary. The programmes indicate that in the majority of areas the schemes of reorganisation proposed are likely to become effective in time to provide for the full number of additional children who will be retained in the schools after the raising of the school leaving age.
Duchess of ATHOLLBy "complete programmes" does the right hon. Gentleman mean to convey that, in so far as these programmes refer to work necessitated by the raising of the school age, they give an assurance that that work will be completed by the date on which the right hon. Gentleman wishes to raise the school age?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANNot that the whole programme can be complete, but, as far as raising the school age is concerned, they will have the schools for the children.
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANHow many of the authorities very much object to the scheme for raising the school age?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANVery few of them. The majority of authorities are asking this House to hasten the passing of the Bill.
§ Mr. COVEIs it not a fact that the County Councils Association passed a resolution yesterday asking that the school age may be raised?