§ Mr. GREENEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give any assurance that local authorities will be reimbursed for expenditure already incurred as a result of the introduction of the Education (School Attendance) Bill and the issue of Circular No. 1404; and, if so, when and by whom?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHExpenditure which has been approved under Circular 1404 as an effective contribution to a scheme of reorganisation and development has already attracted Government grant at the special rate of 50 per cent., and no question of reimbursement arises.
§ Mr. GREENEasked the President of the Board of Education whether, before the issue of Circular No. 1404, the Government authorised the expenditure likely to arise as a result thereof; and, if so, was there fixed a limit to the amount of such expenditure?
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§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThe decision to give a special rate of grant in connection with expenditure on the approved schemes of reorganisation and development, referred to in Circular 1404, was taken by the Government prior to the issue of the circular. The grants are made in conformity with the usual practice of the Board of Education, the amount of the expenditure depending upon the proposals submitted by the local authorities and approved by the Board.