§ MR. RITCHIEasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether the Education Department have given their consent to the London School Board to erect a school in Coborn Street, Bow, notwithstanding the remonstrances which have been made by large numbers of 1410 the inhabitants; whether he is aware that the districts consists almost entirely of private houses inhabited by people in a good position of life, and of such a class as is likely to be seriously depreciated in value by the erection of the proposed school; whether the statistics that have been furnished to the Education Department show any want of school accommodation in the district; and, whether, assuming a deficiency to exist, it is not possible to obtain a site in the neighbourhood which will not be open to the objections raised against the one chosen?
§ MR. MUNDELLASir, the Education Department has consented to the erection of a School in Cobern Street, Bow. The site was scheduled in a Provisional Order, which passed through Parliament last year without opposition. Remonstrances were addressed to the Department by some of the inhabitants, who complained that Coborn Street was inhabited by persons not likely to use an elementary school, and that it would depreciate the value of their property; but both to the east and west of Cobera Street there are large populations of the elementary school class. Statistics were furnished to the Department showing a want of school accommodation in the district, and before the Provisional Order was authorized an inquiry under the Statute was held by the Inspector, who supported the proposal of the Board. In order to meet, if possible, the objections of the inhabitants of Coborn Street, the Department required the School Board, before issuing notices, to endeavour to obtain some other site. The School Board, accordingly, last autumn, scheduled two other sites; but the local objections to both were as strong as those against Coborn Street, and on the same ground. After consultation with Her Majesty's Inspector and the School Board, we allowed the erection of the school in Coborn Street.