HC Deb 03 March 1898 vol 54 cc461-2
MR. A. E. HUTTON (York, W. R., Morley)

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether an unsectarian school is shortly to be closed at Burnley-in-Wharfedale; whether he is aware that the ratepayers, by a large majority, last year, expressed, in the form required by the Education Act, 1870, their desire for the establishment of a School Board; what reply was sent by the Department; and who is going to supply the necessary accommodation?

THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION (Sir JOHN GORST,) Cambridge University

The answer to the first paragraph is "Yes." With regard to the rest of the question, the Education Department had reason to believe that the resolution of the meeting last year was passed under a misapprehension. They advised, in reply, that another meeting should be called, to explain the position to the ratepayers. This the promoters of the application for a School Board declined, and threatened Parliamentary agitation. The Managers of the National School are supplying the necessary accommodation.

MR. A. E. HUTTON

Has the Department any precedent for this action?

SIR JOHN GORST

Yes, Sir, I should say numerous precedents.