§ MR. SOAMES (Norfolk, S.)To ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the ordinary 1350 I work of the national school at Wortwell, Norfolk, was suspended on Friday, 24th June, for an examination in religious knowledge, by the diocesan inspector, without leave from the local authority; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that the permission of the local authority must in future be obtained before the school work is interrupted for this purpose.
(Answered by Sir William Anson.) I have no information as to the particular case referred to in the Question. This matter is governed by Section 76 of The Elementary Education Act, 1870, under which managers are entitled to fix a day or days, not more than two in number, for the inspection or examination of the school by the diocesan inspector. The notice which the section requires is to be given in the school. The section says nothing of notice to the local authority; though under the changed conditions of the Act of 1902 it would certainly appear to be desirable, as a matter of courtesy and convenience, that such notice should be given.