HC Deb 21 March 1905 vol 143 cc656-7
MR. WORSLEY-TAYLOR (Lancashire, Blackpool)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to a notice issued by the West Riding County Council to the managers of non-provided schools within their jurisdiction to the effect that, as from the 1st of May, they will deduct from the salaries of teachers in those schools such a proportionate sum as represents the time occupied by such teachers in giving denominational religious instruction; and, if so, whether the Board of Education will take steps to protect the managers and teachers of such schools against this action.

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

I have seen the notice in question. The Board have been in communication with the local authority and with managers of voluntary schools on the subject of this notice, and have informed them that the Board are advised that the action contemplated by the local education authority contravenes the provisions of the Education Act, 1902, and that managers are not bound to comply with the instructions conveyed in the notice.