HC Deb 18 June 1902 vol 109 cc978-9
MR. MARSHALL HALL (Southport)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, having regard to the fact that His Majesty has expressed a wish that all schools should give a week's holiday during the Coronation, whether, in consequence, the minimum annual number of attendances required by the Code will be reduced from 400 to 390 this year.

The following Question also appeared on the Paper—

SIR JAMES RANKIN (Herefordshire, Leominster)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the wish of His Majesty the King that all schools should give a week's longer holiday this year, the Education Department would permit the elementary schools to be open a less number of times than 400.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Government has decided that a reduction of the minimum up to the limit of one week should be allowed under exception A to Article 85 of the English Code and exception A to Article 17 of the Scotch Code in respect of any closing of the schools on the occasion of the Coronation.

SIR JAMES RANKIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make this decision known to teachers and managers?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I imagine that a statement made in this House on a matter of such general interest will certainly reach the parties interested.