HC Deb 28 October 1937 vol 328 cc240-1
50. Mr. Logan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that Liverpool refuses to make a senior school grant under the 1936 Act to the church authorities; and, in view of this apparent disregard of the p10visions of the Act, what action, if any, does he intend to take to make workable the 1936 Education Act in Liverpool?

Mr. K. Lindsay

So far as the Board are aware, the Liverpool local education authority have reached no decision on the question of making grants to non-provided schools under the provisions of Section 8 of the Education Act, 1936.

Mr. Logan

Is the Minister aware that Liverpool has made a pronouncement that there shall be no grant to Church schools, arid that the elections in Liverpool this week are being fought on that statement that there shall be no grant for Church schools? What action is the Minister likely to take in regard to implementing the Act, which was passed unanimously by this House?

Mr. Lindsay

I am aware of that, but I cannot answer a hypothetical question. My Noble Friend certainly hopes the local education authority w ill come to no such decision.

Mr. Logan

In view of the importance of this matter, which may mean the impeding of the whole of the country in regard to this education question, is the Minister prepared to enter into negotiations immediately with Liverpool to try to make the Conservative party in Liverpool conform to the wish of this House?

Mr. Lindsay

I think I would rather not add anything to the considered reply that my Noble Friend hopes the local education authority will come to no such decision. I cannot add to that.

Mr. Logan

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I shall be compelled to raise this question on the first occasion, and I shall do it to-night.

Captain Cobb

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say what the attitude of the Board is likely to be in the event of any local authority deciding not to make contributions?