HC Deb 02 February 1939 vol 343 c372
59. Mr. Ede

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what action the Board intend taking on the report of their Consultative Committee on Secondary and Post-Primary Education?

Mr. Lindsay

The report, the great value of which I should like to take this opportunity of acknowledging, is being examined departmentally and no time will be lost in getting into touch with local education authorities and other interested parties for the purpose of a full discussion of the important and constructive recommendations on such matters, amongst others, as technical high schools, the curriculum of grammar schools, the school certificate examination, and the inspection of private schools. In view of the present financial circumstances, and of the fact that even under existing conditions the expenditure falling on the Board's Vote is steadily rising, my Noble Friend is not in a position at present to adopt those administrative proposals contained in Chapter IX of the report, the acceptance of which would involve local education authorities, no less than the Board, in highly increased expenditure.

Mr. S. O. Davies

Is it the intention of the Board to make the approaches referred to before this House has an opportunity of considering that particular report?

Mr. Lindsay

There will be a discussion of the report on Wednesday week. I think there will hardly be time to have a full discussion with the local authorities before then.