§ MR. J. H. YOXALL (Nottingham)I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education if he is aware that at the public elementary school of St. Andrew's, Willesden, two certificated schoolmistresses and an assistant teacher have received notice of dismissal from the chairman of the managers of the school because they decline to sign a memorandum of agreement, by the terms of which they would have been bound to be regular communicants and attendants at the church of St. Andrew's; that an increase of salary was withheld from a certificated assistant master on the ground that he did not attend that particular church, and that finally he was dismissed because he did not so attend; and, will he cause an inquiry to be made into the management of St. Andrew's Public Elementary School, Willesden, with regard to the disposal of the public moneys granted by the State out of which the teachers are paid?
§ SIR J. GORSTMy attention has been called to the statements referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question, and I have seen them with very great regret. [Cheers.] The Committee of Council, however, have no power to interfere in the appointment or dismissal of teachers; and, in the absence of such power, are not prepared to institute the suggested inquiry.
§ MR. A. J. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any suggestion or remonstrance has been made with these managers, or whether the Committee of Council propose to deal with them in any way for the action they have taken?
§ SIR J. GORSTNo, Sir. The Committee of Council decline to interfere in other people's business. [Laughter.]