HC Deb 25 May 1903 vol 122 cc1645-6
MR. LAMBERT

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will give the House an early opportunity of discussing the decision of the Education Department that public money may be used for the upkeep and alteration of voluntary school buildings.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The point referred to by the hon. Gentleman is, as I understand, not a decision of the Board of Education at all. It was laid down specifically in the Act passed last year. If the hon. Member will refer to Schedule 2 in that Act, I think he will see that it is not the Board of Education, but Parliament, which is responsible for the decision to which he appears to object.

MR. LAMBERT

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an opportunity of discussing the action of the Board of Education in allowing public funds to be expended on private property.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think the Board of Education are travelling, in this respect, beyond what they are obliged to do by Act of Parliament.

MR. LAMBERT

Is it not a matter within their discretion?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

If so, they are clearly not going beyond their powers.