HC Deb 24 September 1931 vol 256 c1814
51. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Health if local authorities are intended to read the penultimate paragraph of Minister of Health Circular 1222 in the light of the statements in paragraph 3 of Circular 1413 of the Board of Education?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Paragraph 3 of Circular 1413 of the Board of Education is concerned only with grants in respect of the educational service. I see nothing in its terms which is at variance with the penultimate paragraph of Circular 1222.

Mr. EDE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, as one who has had great experience on a large local government authority, whether it will be possible to make a different scale of reduction in the education department of a city or county and not to make the same reductions in the highways and other departments of the city or county?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think I am called upon to express an opinion. Local authorities will have to make such arrangements as they think fit.

Mr. EDE

rose

Mr. SPEAKER

This is obviously something for which the Minister is not responsible.