HC Deb 15 April 1937 vol 322 cc1147-8

Further considered in Committee of the Whole House [Progress 14th April].

[Captain BOURNE in the Chair.]

Question again proposed, That for the purposes of any Act of the present Session providing, among other things, for the extension of the powers of the London County Council under Sections seventy and seventy-one of the Education Act, 1921, to include a power to provide, furnish, equip, maintain, and carry on the business of an hotel in conjunction with, or as part of, their Westminster Technical Institute situate in Vincent Square, in the city of Westminster, in connection with the supply in such hotel of education in all or any branch of the hotel industry, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of such sums as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the Board of Education in respect of such grants as may become payable under the Education Act, 1921, by reason of the extension aforesaid."—[The Chairman of Ways and Means.]

Mr. Charles Williams

I objected to this Motion yesterday for the reason that I, and I think many other hon. Members, do not like a Motion being put down authorising the payment of thousands of pounds, and to be told that the expenditure is not expected to exceed such and such a sum—on this occasion £1,800. It is very rare that we have to consider one of these Motions, and I hope that in future a definite sum will be laid down. Might I add that I believe that consent has been given to this matter by the Minister of Education, which confirms it, as far as this House is concerned, and that it has his approval. As I objected yesterday I have taken the trouble to go and see this institution myself. I am absolutely convinced that the training there is of such a character that it will help our boys to get jobs. I thought it was only right that I should bear witness in this House to the very high quality of the work which is being done there, and to say that I hope that the fact that it has been brought up in this House will encourage the development of the enterprise. I feel sure that the money is being well spent in the best interests of our up-growing generation.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolution to be reported To-morrow.