asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (1) the number of children in England and Wales attending public elementary schools and secondary schools on the Grant List, during the week ending 8th January, 1940; and the number on the registers;

(2) the number of public elementary schools and secondary schools on the Grant List which were open for full-time education during the week ending 8th January, 1940?

I regret that I cannot give the information in the form asked for. Returns received from local education authorities of evacuation and neutral areas at the beginning of January showed that there were 6,690 elementary school departments open, attended by 1,164,436 children, for full-time instruction. On the same date 422 secondary schools were open, attended full-time by 154,810 pupils. In addition a large numbers of schools were open on the double-shift basis. In reception areas, the great Majority of children are receiving full-time education.

When are the Government going to make it compulsory for these children to attend the schools?

I think the hon. Member had better wait until my hon. Friend the Parliamentary-Secretary returns.

Can the hon. Gentleman give a rough estimate of the percentage, or the total number of children who are at present receiving no education?

I do not think I have those figures.