§ 67. Mr. Loganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Liverpool authorities have taken King's Counsel's opinion on the validity of stoppage of the Liverpool education grant; and has he been informed of the result?
Mr. LindsayThe Board were informed by the Liverpool Local Education Authority that they proposed to seek Counsel's opinion on the legality of the Board's action, but they have not been informed of the result.
§ Mr. LoganIs the Minister aware that for four months the citizens of Liverpool have been told by the authorities there that they are awaiting a legal decision from King's Counsel with regard to the validity of the stoppage of the grant? Is it not time to find out definitely from the Liverpool authorities what the delay means?
§ 69. Mr. Loganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the neglect of the Liverpool education authority to make proper arrangements with the non-provided schools' managers in Liverpool, he will in future refuse financial assistance for building and furnishing council schools in that city until that authority reorganise, by agreement with the church school managers, in conformity with the Education Act of 1936?
§ Mr. LoganWhat I am anxious to know is, when is Liverpool going to do anything in reference to an Act of Parliament, and what steps do the Ministry intend to take to see that Acts passed by this House are operative in boroughs such as Liverpool?
Mr. LindsayI have answered the question on the Paper. The answer is, No, Sir; but, if I may amplify it, as the hon. Member knows, the Board have no power to withhold grant because an authority chooses not to avail itself of the 1936 Act. They are doing so under the 1921 Act.
§ Mr. LoganSurely the Board have power to review the whole situation. What are they going to do to see that an Act of Parliament is implemented by a body over which they have authority?
Mr. LindsayI am not sure what authority the hon. Member suggests. The point is that, with regard to this Act, the powers remain with the local education authority, and the Board have no compulsory power over them.
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonIs it possible for the hon. Gentleman to send the late President of the Board of Education to be as rude to the Liverpool City Council as he has recently been to the London County Council?