§ Mr. McENTEEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that large numbers of children from the elementary schools who are qualified to enter secondary schools are unable to 1808W enter such schools owing to the limited number of places provided for non-paying scholars; and whether he can give some assurance to the House that an increased number of free places will be provided for poor scholars who have the ability to secure such scholarships in open competitive examinations?
§ Mr. E. WOODThe present insufficiency of accommodation in grant-aided secondary schools affects candidates for admission who are able, as well as candidates who are unable to pay fees. I fear that I am unable to commit myself to an increase in the proportion of free places at present, but I fully recognise the importance of making up the insufficiency of school places as soon as possible.