HC Deb 20 March 1905 vol 143 cc455-6
SIR JOHN GORST (Cambridge University)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether, on the occasion of his visit to the Johanna Street Board School, he found any children unfit to attend to the duties of the school in a proper way; whether he has any reason to think that Dr. Eichholz in his evidence before the Committee on Physical Deterioration exaggerated the proportion of such children; and whether public money is still spent at this school in providing instruction which the children cannot, from their physical condition, attend to.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Sir WILLIAM ANSON,) Oxford University

On the occasion of my visit to the Johanna Street Council School the children were attending to the duties of the school in a proper way, but I think that many of them might with advantage have been provided with a curriculum more suited to their capacities. I am not in a position to criticise the medical evidence of Dr. Eichholz, but I have good reasons for thinking that it may not be final. The school is still being conducted as a public elementary school.

SIR JOHN GORST

May I inquire whether the teachers were asked whether the children were capable of receiving their instruction.

SIR WILLIAM ANSON

I made careful inquiry into the condition of the school, and if the right hon. Gentleman wishes I will give him my conclusions.

DR. MACNAMARA

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the Question and say whether, on the occasion of his visit he found any children unfit to attend to the duties of the school in a proper way.

SIR WILLIAM ANSON

The children were all attending to the duties of the school. As I have said, I think many of them might have been provided with a more suitable curriculum.

SIR JOHN GORST

I beg to give notice that in Committee of Supply on the Education Vote I shall move the reduction of the grant for public elementary schools by £500,000 in respect of the children who are attending public elementary schools in a condition totally unfit to receive instruction.