§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether lie can now tell the House what is to be the form of his promised inquiry into the conditions under which pauper children are educated in barrack or associated schools?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. SIIAW-LEFEVRE, Bradford, Central)When a few days ago I promised an inquiry into the workhouse schools I stated my preference for the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee. I have, however, found it impossible to deal with the subject in this manner this Session, and the question as regards Loudon is one which it is not desirable to postpone until next Session. For the same reason it is not expedient to appoint a large Commission, with the result, probably, of a protracted investigation lasting over two or three years. The Government, therefore, consider that the inquiry will be best conducted by a Committee of some five or seven persons, nominated by the Government, but not consisting of officers of the Department. The inquiry will be directed to the case of London, where the large workhouse schools chiefly exist, and where there is very great difficulty at the present time in providing for the increasing number of children. I will only add that this form of inquiry will be satisfactory to the right hon. Member for the University of Cambridge, who introduced the deputation to me. I hope in a few days to be able to give the names of the persons who will form the Committee.
§ MR. SHAW-LEFEVREThe advisability of doing so is receiving our consideration.