§ SIR RICHARD TEMPLE (Surrey, Kingston)I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he has recently received a certain number of applications Prom persons desiring free education for their children; and, if so, how many; whether the signatures are verified as being bonâ fide those of parents of children attending elementary schools; and whether he will inquire into the circumstances under which these signatures are obtained?
§ THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Mr. ACLAND,) York, W.R., RotherhamI receive applications from persons desiring free education for their children in greater or less numbers nearly every day. Such applications have been received from considerably over 100 school districts, and on behalf of about 35,000 children. The signatures to these applications are verified by reference to the Local Authority. As I have already stated in the House, it is no part of the duty of the Department under the Act to inquire into the circumstances under which these signatures are obtained.