§ MR. LODER (Brighton)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether any means exist by which the necessity for holding school board elections this autumn may be obviated; and, if not, whether the Government propose to bring in a Bill or take any other steps to postpone these elections pending the passing of the Education Bill.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIn answer to my hon. friend, I have to say that there would be no objection to introducing into the Education Bill an amendment or a new clause rendering School Board elections unnecessary; but I doubt whether that clause would be of any practical import, or would be in time to deal with cases which may arise, indeed, must arise, next November. As regards these cases, I think they can only be dealt with in the manner suggested in a letter issued by the Department to School Boards which have communicated with them on the subject. That letter states that the Board of Education are not prepared to withdraw their usual order for triennial elections of School Boards; but if in existing circumstances-triennial election is deemed to be unnecessary or undesirable, it shall be open to those interested to abstain from 787 making nominations for such elections, and if in consequence no members are elected those already in office can continue to serve.