§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the President of the Board of Education whether the sole responsibility for carrying-out the instructions for keeping the schools open throughout the year conveyed in circular 1596 now rests with the local authorities; how far the Board retains control of this question; and will he now consider the withdrawal or modification of circular 1596?
§ Mr. ButlerIt is for local education authorities to decide, in the light of the circumstances of their respective areas, to what extent it is desirable to keep schools 1649W open during school holidays. The arrangements in this, as in other educational matters, are kept under review by H.M. Inspectors. As I am satisfied that local education authorities can interpret the needs of their areas in the light of all that has been said, I do not propose to withdraw or modify circular 1596.