EDUCATION ECONOMIES

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 102, 27 October 1932, Page 18

EDUCATION ECONOMIES

WARNING AGAINST EXCESS

An important manifesto against too drastic economies in educational expenditure appeared in "The Times" in September over the signatures of the Archbishop of York, a number of Bishops, Mr. H. G. Wells, Sir A. QuillerCo.ueh. Professor Dover Wilson, Mr. J. H. S. "Aitken, Sir Benjamin Gotti Canon Little, Mr. Wright.Bobinson, Sir E. D. Simon, and others.

The Archbishop and his co-signatories wrote:—- ' .

"A substantial diminution in the financial commitments of the nation, on account of education has already been ■ effected. All aspects of education, from care for the health of children to the reorganisation recommended in the Hadow Eepqrt, have felt the effect. In some cases, indeed, the action taken by Local Education Authorities has already made impossible the policy of maintaining existing facilities, while j avoiding new developments, which was laid down in the board's circular 1415 of 11th September, 1931. . . : "It is probable that certain economies could _be effected in educational administration; but administration accounts for so small a proportion, of the total cost of education that the possible savings under that, head are not large. In,these circumstances it is difficult to resist the conclusion that there is a danger that a further reduction of educational expenditure may not merely prune superfluities but cut into the" quick. If it is made, for example,, at the cost of the school, medical service, is is .likely to. add, to the : burden of preventible sickness which the nation must carry in the future. If it results in an. increase in the size of classes in primary schools, or in a.fnrther diminution, of facilities for practical work, it will produce a generation less well equipped for the business of life. If it takes the: form; of raising, fees in secondary schools and diminishing the number of free places it will diminish the supply of trained, ability available for leadership. - _ "The tempetation to ■ regard education as a luxury which, in times of stress, can safely be sacrificed is, doubtless, powerful. But panic is :an ill counsellor. The , temptation, we submit, is one to.be resisted.

;"A.great nation must have the courage to take a long view! of its destinies. However dark the.moment, it must see its present difficulties and future ■ needs in their due perspective. Britain has lost, certain of the economic advantages ..which, formerly she possessed. In the years to. come she must; necessarily rely to a greater extent than in the past upon the energy, intelligence, and capacity for sustained: co-operation of all sections of her people. ■ It is -these qualities, which are cultivated by a vigorous and enlightened; educational system, and. these qualities which are unpaired.when that:system is crippled. They are worth:some sacrifice to preserve, and develop. We believe that we speak for a large volume of opinion when we. express the hope that the Government will have the resolution to announce that-a further.curtailment of the provision made for the: health and education of children is no part of its policy." :..;,■; ■■