§ 42. Mr. L. M. Leverasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the increases in the Bank Rate are causing hardship to the non-provided schools; and whether he will, in framing his Budget, consider granting reliefs to such schools.
§ Sir E. BoyleI cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.
§ Mr. LeverIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his mechanical reply will cause very grave disquiet in the minds of the managers of denominational schools; and is he further aware that this impact of an increased Bank Rate is imposing an unjust and iniquitous burden on the managers of non-provided schools, who are very anxious to maintain freedom of conscience and get the debts off their shoulders as soon as possible?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe hon. Gentleman must not mind my making a traditional reply at this season of the year.
§ Mr. StokesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this high Bank Rate will altogether arrest, and is arresting, the building of non-provided schools? Is it not perfectly possible for the Ministry of Education, under his direction, to make revolving credits available for them at fixed rates of interest? As this has been done in some cases, why cannot it be done generally?
§ Sir E. BoyleHardship in the educational field, if there is any, is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education.