Sir J. HOPEasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of his announcement that attendance at school of children under six should be voluntary, he proposes to introduce a Bill amending Section 8 (1) of the Education Act, 1918, and Section 7 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908: and whether, until this Bill is passed into law, local education authorities will be instructed not to insist on the attendance at school of children under six contrary to the wishes of their parents?
§ Mr. FISHERA Bill to give effect in England and Wales to the decision of the Government will be introduced as soon as possible; but, pending an alteration of the law, I have no authority to issue instructions to local education' authorities to disregard it. As regards Scotland, the hon. and gallant Member's question should be addressed to the Secretary of State.