HC Deb 10 November 1938 vol 341 cc289-90
51. Mr. Ede

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the absence of any reference to technical education in Circular 1464 indicates that the Board desire local education authorities to submit schemes for the expansion of that form of education?

Mr. Lindsay

Yes, Sir. The Board are anxious that local education authorities should proceed, with as little delay as possible, with schemes to provide the accommodation for technical education required in their areas to meet the needs of industry.

Mr. Ede

Will the hon. Member consider issuing a circular supplementary to Circular 1464, giving the information he has just given?

Mr. Lindsay

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Is my hon. Friend considering the diminished demand for technical education owing to the fall in the birth rate since 1920?

Mr. Lindsay

I am afraid I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. From the point of view of bricks and mortar, there is a definite shortage of facilities for technical education in this country, and the clear policy of the Board is to make that shortage good. That is why steps were taken some years ago to survey the country and to provide for additional expenditure in each area.

Mr. Williams

Have the Board taken into account the heavy fall in the birth rate which took place subsequent to 1920?