University and Educational Intelligence

Abstract

A DISCUSSION upon the clause of the Education Bill referring to the provision to be made for secondary education took place in the House of Commons on Monday. An amendment was moved to make the clause compulsory instead of optional, the contention being that many local authorities will do nothing for secondary education if the decision as to the needs of their localities is left to them. After discussion, Mr. Balfour consented, as a compromise, to introduce words which, while not making the clause mandatory or throwing upon the Education Department the task of declaring what educational provision should be made in each county, emphasised the fact that the education authorities were expected to supply higher education. The words to which he agreed were:—“The local authorities shall consider the needs of education, and take such step as may seem desirable, after consultation with the Board of Education to aid or supply education other than elementary.”