§ 34. Mr. Loganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is prepared now to make a statement in regard to the position of the non-provided schools in Liverpool; what action have the Liverpool education authorities taken to implement the 1936 Education Act; and will he give an assurance to the House to the effect that grants are still to be made to non-provided schools?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 10th February. My Noble Friend understands that the Liverpool local education authority have not yet reached a decision on the question of making grants to voluntary schools under the Education Act, 1936, and I am not, therefore, in a position to answer the last part of the question.
§ Mr. LoganAm I to understand that, despite the Act of Parliament, when a local authority refuse to do their duty, the Minister is not prepared to implement the Act or to use the power he can exercise?
§ Mr. LindsayMy Noble Friend understands that the matter is to be considered by the education committee on 21st March, and that the recommendation of that committee would normally be considered by the city council on 6th April.
§ Mr. LoganIf I put a question down on that date, will the hon. Member be prepared to let me know what action, if any, he intends to take?
§ Mr. LindsayI will certainly give what information I have.