ADMIRAL FIELD (Sussex, Eastbourne)I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he is aware that, in considering the accommodation provided in the elementary schools at Eastbourne, Mr. Lindsell, the Inspector appointed to conduct a public inquiry on 20th April, refused to recognise 202 school places which, as lately as 14th January, 1893, had been recognised by the Department as "available" for being counted in estimating an alleged deficiency; and whether he has considered the difficulty caused to the school managers by such a decision?
§ * MR. ACLANDThe notices published by the Department on 14th January last estimated the existing accommodation available for the district at 3,791 school places. A public inquiry was afterwards claimed and held. The Inspector appointed to conduct it has reported that 152 of these places must be deducted on account of defective premises in several schools, and that 50 other places at present unoccupied at an outlying school are not, in fact, available for any other children than those who are now attending it. The schools which have had their accommodation somewhat reduced will be recognised for the current school year for the old numbers, so that no difficulty will be caused to the managers.
ADMIRAL FIELDIf the school managers are willing to make good the defects, will the Department withdraw its arbitrary edict?
§ MR. ACLANDI believe the demand is to supply 1,300 places. Of course, that may be done in various ways, and any proposal the managers may make will be fully considered by the Department.