§ MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, Whether any steps are being taken to give effect to the Report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into matters connected with the Royal Foundation of the Blue Coat School, presented more than 10 years ago, and which concluded with the unanimous recommendation that,
For a thorough reform in the management and discipline of Christ's Hospital, we think that its removal from London is indispensable;whether it is true that the Charity Commissioners have satisfied themselves that the funds of the Charity are sufficient for the education of 1,300 boys, 900 girls, and 120 infants, in all 2,320 children, 1,320 of them as boarders, or more than double the number at present benefited; whether it is true that the opposition to the official scheme, issued two years ago, is, in a large measure, due to the action of the Aldermen of the City of London, and others, in respect of their "vested interests" in such Charity; and, whether he can state to the House when the recommendations of the Royal Commission, and of the Charity Commission, providing increased accommodation for more than 1,000 children, urgently needing such educational advantages as Christ's Hospital affords, will be carried into effect, so as to facilitate increased accommodation being provided at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, which is so sorely needed, and which has been so long delayed?
§ THE VICE PRESIDENT (Sir WILLIAM HART DYKE) (Kent, Dartford)The scheme of the Charity Commissioners, involving the removal of Christ's Hospital from its present site, and largely extending, as the hon. Member correctly states, the benefits of the Institution, is now engaging the attention of the Department with a view to progress being made with it. The scheme can scarcely be said to be opposed on grounds so restricted in their character as the hon. Member seems to suppose; but I hope before long to be in a position to make a definite announcement in regard 1374 to it. The increased accommodation of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, though depending, no doubt, upon the removal of the School, does not come within the cognizance of the Department.