§ 66. Mr. Hannahasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is contemplating any change in the status or functions of Part III education committees?
§ The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)Consideration must be 298 given to the nature and functions of units of local educational administration in connection with any proposals for post-war educational reform. I have invited my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister without Portfolio to advise me on this matter. He is now engaged in receiving evidence from the various associations representative of local education authorities. I cannot reach any conclusions until I have examined his report.
§ Mr. DenmanDoes this mean that the Education Bill is to be held up indefinitely until the Departments have investigated such questions as this?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend is an expeditious worker.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some Part III education authorities are extremely efficient?
§ Mr. ButlerI am well aware of that.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayIs the Minister without Portfolio examining the educational considerations arising out of the existence of Part III authorities or the framework of local government generally?
§ Mr. ButlerI think the two are bound up together, but my right hon. and learned Friend is considering them in relation to the general schemes which I have in mind.
§ Mr. MesserIs there a suggestion of transferring Part II powers to Part III authorities?