§ 42. Mr. McEnteeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of local education authorities who have adopted three and four terms, respectively, in the school year; and whether he proposes to take steps to secure uniformity in the practice of authorities in this matter?
Mr. LindsayOf the 315 local education authorities for elementary education, 154 have adopted three terms and 161 four terms. I should add, however, that in 155 of the latter areas three of the terms end at the same time as the terms in the former areas. The fixing of the 21 school terms is within the discretion of the authorities, but the board have called attention in Circular 1457 to the desirability of neighbouring authorities having uniform school terms.
§ Mr. McEnteeCan the hon. Member from the experience of the Board say whether there is any advantage for one system as against another?