§ MR. PELLasked the Vice President of the Council, Whether, before giving consent to the weekly fee prescribed by a School Board, the Education Department cause inquiry to be made in the School Board District as to the ability of parents resident therein to contribute towards the elementary education of their children; and, if so, by whom such inquiry is conducted on behalf of the Department; whether it is made on the spot, and from whom information is sought; further, what special circumstances are held to justify the consent of the Department to so low a fee as one penny per week; whether in such cases any written statement of reasons is made to the Department; and, if so, whether he would lay upon the Table of the House some or all of such statements so far as relates to the London School Board Schools?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONSir, before assenting to the weekly fees proposed by School Boards, an inquiry is always made by the Educational Inspector of the district, the inquiry is made on the spot, and information is sought for from those whose opinions or experience are likely to throw light upon the condition of the neighbourhood. The circumstances vary so in each district, that it would be difficult to lay down any absolute rule as to the sanction of low fees. Speaking generally, the fees are regulated by the requirement and social condition of those for whom the schools are provided. A written statement is made to the Department before their sanction is given. I have not yet had time to look through the statements relating to the London Board Schools; but if my hon. Friend will confer with me, I will see how far we can give him information upon the subject.