HC Deb 01 October 1931 vol 257 cc526-7
42. Mr. EDE

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state in respect of how many rate-aided secondary schools proposals to increase, fees have been submitted to the Board since the publication of the Economy Report; and how many children are in attendance at such schools?

Sir D. MACLEAN

Only one such proposal has been received and is under consideration; it is in the nature of a readjustment. The number of pupils in the school concerned is 233.

Mr. EDE

Is the right hon. Gentleman asking the schools to submit proposals, or does he intend to wait until the schools submit them?

Sir D. MACLEAN

To wait until they submit them.

Mr. HARRIS

Will my right hon. Friend discourage the local authorities from raising fees at a time when parents are ill able to afford them?

Sir D. MACLEAN

That is a matter entirely for the local authorities concerned.

Mr. GEORGE HARDIE

Is it part of the Government's scheme to reduce the education of working-class children?

Mr. McSHANE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the name of the authority to which his reply referred?

Sir D. MACLEAN

Yes, Exeter. I repeat that it is in the nature of a readjustment.