§ SIR F. S. POWELL (Wigan)I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether his attention has been directed to the case of St. Edward's National School, Romford; whether, although in the year 1891 the infant school was enlarged to double its former capacity and otherwise improved, in obedience to the request of the Education Department, further structural alterations in the schools are now insisted upon; whether it is intended to insist on the immediate execution of these alterations in an existing school; and whether it is further intended to insist on the extension of the playground, which is situate in a lane off the main road, and is surrounded on all sides but one by house property?
§ THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Mr. ACLAND,) York, W.R., RotherhamIt is the case that the infants' school here was enlarged in 1891. Her Majesty's Inspector had reported in the previous year that the noisiness and general inferiority of the premises of the whole school rendered satisfactory organisation difficult, and involved an excessive strain on the teachers. He again commented strongly on the unsatisfactory character of the premises for the older children, both boys and girls, in 1891, 1892, and 1893; and the managers were warned by the Department last February that certain alterations must be carried out during this year, or the grant might be endangered. I do not find that any requirement whatever has been made as to the playground.
§ SIR F. S. POWELLWhen does the year terminate?
§ MR. ACLANDI cannot say, but I will inquire.