FREE BOOKS IN SCHOOLS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28492, 23 January 1958, Page 10

FREE BOOKS IN SCHOOLS

Scheme Ready In 1959 (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 22. The Minister of Education (Mr P. O. Skoglund) told the House of Representatives today that it would be impractical for the Government to implement its scheme to supply school pupils with free books this year, but the scheme definitely would be introduced in 1959, he said. Mr Skoglund, answering an urgent question on the implementation of the scheme from Mr W. A. Sheat (Opposition, Egmont) said: ‘The implementation of the Government’s policy poses an administrative problem of the first magnitude. Rooks have already been ordered by booksellers. Schools and schoolchildren are in possession of many of the books required for -the new school year. “In administering the new policy, a scheme has to be worked out that win cater- for the varying interests of the children, the teachers, the department and the retailers.” The Director of Education had submitted alternative plans for implementing the scheme which would be studied by Cabinet Before a final decision was reached Mr Skoglund said he would discuss the scheme with representatives of interested bodies, such as the teachers and the book trade. "In order to give schools,- publishers and booksellers time to make their plans tor 1959, I shall announce details of the scheme as soon as a final decision is reached by Cabinet I expect this will be within the next three months.” he said.