§ Mr. LECKIEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board will give instructions to its administrative officers that the proposals of local authorities for the erection of new schools be no longer rejected on the grounds set out in Circular 1413 of the Board of Education?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe provisions of paragraphs 11 and 12 of Circular 1413 already afford the Board a substantial discretion in considering proposals put2068W forward by local education authorities for new buildings for the purposes of both elementary and higher education. In the circumstances, my Noble Friend does not consider that he would be justified in adopting the suggestion of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LECKIEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, whether he will present a statement showing, in respect of the period September, 1931, to the present time, the number of proposals approved at any time on behalf of the Board for the provision of new schools or the improvement of existing schools in respect of which the Board's approval was withdrawn after 1st September, 1931; and the number of proposals awaiting decision on 1st September, 1931, or submitted since 1st September, 1931, by local authorities for the provision of new schools or the structural improvement of existing schools which have been refused sanction by the Board?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMMy Noble Friend regrets that he cannot, without undue expenditure of time and labour, answer the first part of the hon. Member's question in the form in which it is drafted; but the following table will, it is hoped, furnish the information which he desires.
Individual definite proposals approved at any time, and subsequently rejected on re-submission after 1st Sept., 1931. Individual definite proposals a waiting decision on 1st Sept., 1931, or subsequently submitted, which have been rejected. New Schools, Enlargements and Replacements. 15 46 Minor Improvements. 3 46 Total 18 92