asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether the Sheffield Local Education Authority are now considering proposals to decrease the number of manual instruction and cookery departments in Sheffield; whether he has been consulted on this matter; if so, has he sanctioned the proposed reductions;

(2) whether he is aware that the Sheffield Local Education Authority are proposing to reduce expenditure by increasing the number of teachers whose engagements are to be terminated by superannuation at the age of 60 years; whether he has been consulted on this matter; and, if so, what action has he taken in the matter?

I have been in consultation with the local education authority upon the whole matter. I understand that their original proposals have been modified and that alternative proposals of the nature indicated by the hon. Member are now under consideration; but I have not yet been informed of the authority's decision.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been consulted by the local authority, and has he indicated in any way that some reductions will receive his approval?

I have had consultation with the authority on the matter. I would rather not express an opinion, and I think that the hon. Gentleman should not press me to express an opinion, until I am in a position to come to a final decision when I shall have to express an opinion officially.

In view of the extraordinary position in necessitous areas, where children are severely handicapped, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite some assistance?