MR. J. CARVELL WILLIAMS (Notts, Mansfield)I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education (1) whether in consequence of the overcrowding of the public elementary schools at Wimbledon, a formal notice for the supply of additional school places was issued in March last year, which notice expired in the following November; (2) whether during the 1460 period which has since elapsed any, and what, effectual steps have been taken to provide the accommodation which it was stated in February last was being supplied with due dispatch; (3) whether he is aware that out of the £7,700 required for the erection of additional school buildings only £2,414 has been promised and only £1,846 paid, while the Report of the Voluntary Schools Committee for the year ending 31st March showed a deficit of £573; and (4) whether, having regard to the rapid growth of the population at Wimbledon, the Department will now order the formation of a School Board?
§ SIR J. GORSTThe facts stated in paragraph 1 are correct. A considerable part of the accommodation required has already been supplied, and plans for the remainder have been approved. I have not been able to ascertain whether the statements in paragraph 3 are correct; but the Committee of Council have no information which would lead him to suppose that the necessary funds will not be forthcoming. They, therefore, see no reason to order the formation of a School. Board at present.