§ 4.6 p.m.
§ Read 3a (according to Order), with the Amendments.
§ LORD WALKDENI beg to move that the Bill do now pass.
§ Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(Lord Walkden.)
THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, I do not rise in any way to oppose the passing of this Bill, because on the whole we think it is a useful measure and one which clarifies certain points of the 1944 Act. However, I feel bound to express my regret that the Government did not see their way to accept the Amendment which I put 326 down on Clause 4 of thee Bill. I believed that Amendment to have been in consonance with the principles of the 1944 Act. The Minister raised certain administrative objections, both to the original Amendment and to a compromise which I put forward. I do not intend to press the matter any further, but I should like to express my gratitude to the noble Lord, Lord Walkden, for the trouble he has taken, and in particular for the statement contained in the last paragraph of the letter which he was good enough to write to me. It says:
In the administration of the clause the Minister and the local education authorities will continue to be bound by Section 76 (of the 1944 Act) to which they will, of course, adhere.We attach the greatest importance to Section 76 of the 1944 Act, and we are grateful that the Minister has seen fit to give us an official assurance.
§ On Question, Bill passed, and returned to the Commons.