§ 21. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Education how many local authorities have now accepted his proposed scale for maintenance allowances for schoolchildren over fifteen years of age.
§ Sir E. BoyleSeventy-four authorities have accepted the proposals; my right hon. Friend is considering other proposals from 20; and 52 have not told him of any intentions to alter their existing arrangements.
§ Dr. KingIn view of the importance to Britain of keeping poor children at school after the age of fifteen, will the hon. Gentleman again bring to the notice of the other local education authorities the excellent Weaver Report and his own speech on this subject in the House on 2nd December?
§ Sir E. BoyleAs the hon. Member knows, I entirely share his views on the importance of this matter, but I think that we can leave it to the local education authorities at present. It is not a bad thing that more than 50 per cent. have already accepted proposals and replies and information are still coming in.