§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether complaints have reached him that the temporary School Board school at Willesden has no playground, no class room, is dark and ill-ventilated, and its sanitary arrangements are of the worst possible character; whether any complaints have been made by Her Majesty's Inspector as to the structural condition of this school; whether he is aware that the present School Board has acquired a site for a building to accommodate 1,000 children, and, notwithstanding their engagement to build for this number of children, have persistently neglected to do so; and what action the Education Department intends taking under the circumstances?
§ * THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Sir W. HART DYKE,) Kent, DartfordI am aware that the temporary school is in a defective condition, but the Board is being pressed to improve the sanitary arrangements, as well as to proceed with the permanent building, which it is their duty to provide; and there is no intention to permit them to evade their responsibility in either regard.
§ MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)Seeing the length of time which has elapsed, may I ask why the Department has not stirred in the matter?
§ * SIR W. HART DYKEI have just said that I have received information that the School Board are taking steps.
§ MR. MUNDELLAIn the meantime there is no class room, and it is not a suitable building at all for a school.
§ MR. CHANNINGHas the right hon. Gentleman received any assurance that the School Board are about to proceed with the building?
§ * SIR W. HART DYKEYes, Sir; I have received an assurance.