§ Mr. RAWLINSONasked the President of the Board of Education why it was decided last year to discontinue the examinations in science which, up to that date, had been held by the Board of Education; what was the approximate number of students annually entering for such examinations; and whether he is aware that widespread dissatisfaction exists amongst the large number of evening students who are no longer able to get the diplomas upon which they relied for assistance in their trades or professions?
§ Mr. FISHERThe decision announced in February, 1918, to discontinue the system of general examinations in science was taken in pursuance of a policy which was adopted in 1911. The extent of the system was greatly restricted in 1912, and notice was given in 1914 that the entire discontinuation of the general examinations was in prospect. Further curtailment took place in 1917, and the last general examinations were held in 1918. Among the reasons for the policy, which have been fully set out in the various announcements made to the bodies concerned, I may refer to the unsuitability of detached and purely external tests for industrial students, and to the Board's desire to encourage schemes of examinations planned in relation to the courses 1259W taken by students, which may vary according to local circumstances, and conducted by their teachers under the guarantee provided by the participation of external assessors. The number of candidates in the general examinations declined from 9,000 in the year 1912 to 1,917 in the year 1916. In the years 1917 and 1918, when the higher general examinations only were held, not more than about 700 and 350 candidates, respectively, attended the examinations. The Board have no evidence to show that there is such widespread dissatisfaction as is suggested in the question.