§ MR. BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council, Whether it is true that the London School Board are about to sell the site in St. George's Row, Pimlico, instead of erecting a school thereon; whether there is within reasonable reach any school at which the fees (including the cost of books) do not exceed two pence per week per child; whether, in consequence of the high fees in the neighbouring schools, many of the children in the district are obliged to attend Board Schools in Chelsea; and, whether he will cause the Board to reconsider their determination?
§ THE VICE PRESIDENT (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)I have made inquiry of the London School Board, and learn that it is their present intention, subject to the sanction of the Education Department, to sell the site referred to; but no steps have yet been taken. Permission to sell a large part of it had been granted by the Department in 1881, when it was understood that fees in the neighbouring voluntary schools had been reduced. I am not aware whether they have since been raised, or whether there is a voluntary school within reach at which 2d. only is charged, including school books; but I may inform the hon. Member that resolutions were lately passed by the managers of these voluntary schools as to remitting and lowering fees which ap- 172 peared in The School Guardian of last week, and which remove any grounds of grievance.