asked the President of the Board of Education how many physically and mentally defective children are on the roll of London special schools; and whether the figures show an increase or decrease on the preceding year?

The number of children on the rolls of London special schools for physically and mentally defective children for the week ending 21st December, 1923, was 12,243, showing a decrease of 328 on the figures for the similar week in 1922.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that decrease is due to a decrease in mental and physical deficiency amongst the children, or is it due to the so-called economy under which children who ought to be in special schools are excluded and are being sent to elementary schools?

The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. This has nothing whatever to do with any regulation of the Board of Education.

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe that this decrease is due to a definite decrease in the mental and physical deficiency of London children.

The hon. Gentleman can believe what he likes, and I can form my own conclusion. I am only responsible for the administration of the Board, and I say that that decrease has nothing whatever to do with any Regulations issued by the Board of Education.