§ 48. Mr. Kirbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what resolutions he has received from education authorities expressing the view that the suggested payment of 50 per cent, of the cost of air-raid precautions work in connection with schools should be increased to the percentage grants allowed for other air-raid precautions work?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)Eighteen local education authorities have submitted resolutions to the Board expressing the view to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. KirbyDoes the Minister realise that he will have to do something in regard to air-raid precautions for children, and that on the present grants little progress is being made in this very important work?
§ Mr. LindsayThis whole matter was dealt with very fully by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal in answer to several questions.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that not 18 authorities, but the annual meeting of all the local educational authorities of this country last week unanimously passed a resolution in these terms; and will he give it his consideration?
§ Mr. LindsayYes, I had noticed it.
§ Mr. LipsonWhat action is the hon. Gentleman taking in regard to this resolution? Has he conveyed it td the Lord Privy Seal or has he done nothing at all?
§ Mr. LindsayThe Lord Privy Seal and the President of the Board of Education are fully aware of the resolutions which have been sent.
§ Mr. KirbyWill the hon. Gentleman answer the questions which have been put by several hon. Members, namely, whether the President of the Board of Education intends to give further consideration to this important matter?
§ Mr. LindsayI am afraid I can add nothing to the answers which the Lord Privy Seal gave.
§ Mr. TomlinsonOwing to the very unsatisfactory nature of this reply, and the replies given to other questions on the same subject, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.