§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the President of the Board of Education whether local authorities are advised by Circular 1245 of the Board of Education that, in order that the cost of educating blind or deaf children in 1922–23 may not exceed that incurred in 1921–22, contracts should not be made by them for sending such children to suitable schools; whether certain local authorities have decided not to make such contracts in respect of children above the number of those attending such schools during 1921–22; and will he explain, in view of the provisions of the Act of 1893, why the Board has issued a circular which points out to local authorities a method of evading that Act, and encourages them to disregard their duties under the Act?
§ Mr. FISHERI may refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Lieut.-Colonel John Ward) on Tuesday, 28th March, 1922. I have every hope that the provision made by Parliament for the purpose will enable me to make arrangements to avoid any reduction in the provision hitherto made for the education of blind and deaf children.