HC Deb 27 March 1930 vol 237 cc592-3
41. Mr. HARRIS

asked the President of the Board of Education what local authorities have organised day continuation schools; whether the Board has had any reports on the system of day continuation schools in Germany; and, if not, whether he will consider sending over one of the Board's inspectors to collect information on the working of the scheme there?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

The local education authorities for London and West Ham have organised provision for voluntary day continuation schools; the Warwickshire authority conduct one school at Rugby on the basis of compulsory attendance; and 14 other authorities conduct one or more such schools, mostly on the basis of co-operation with individual firms of employers. The Board has not prepared any report on the German day continuation schools, but they possess some information on these schools, and I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind should the occasion arise for a further inquiry on the subject.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these continuation schools are a success; and, if so, will he try to stimulate local authorities in other parts of the country to provide them?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

I have no doubt that they are a success, but I think we are asking almost enough just now so far as the work of local authorities is concerned.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Have any of the right hon. Gentleman's inspectors been in the habit of going abroad to get information? Is is a common practice, and has the right hon. Gentleman sufficient powers to send them abroad?

Sir C. TREVELYAN

Yes, they go very frequently.