HC Deb 25 May 1905 vol 146 cc1396-7
MR. MOSS (Denbighshire, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the statements made at the annual meeting of the Denbighshire Education Committee, held at Chester on Friday, May 19th last, and to the resolution unanimously passed at that meeting; whether he has received a copy of such resolution; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any, and what, steps in relation to such statements and in reply to such resolution.

MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made on the 18th inst. by the chairman of the building committee of the Denbighshire education authority, to the effect that the council had appointed a surveyor before the appointed day to visit, inspect, and report upon the condition of every school in the county, provided and unprovided, and that the building committee had proceeded to execute the necessary repairs of the provided schools in accordance with the recommendations of the surveyor's report; and whether he proposes to take steps to verify the accuracy of this statement.

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

I have this morning received a communication from the local education, authority for Denbighshire. I am inquiring into the matter, and hope to send them a full reply at the earliest possible date.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE (Carnarvon Boroughs)

But the hon. Gentleman made a very definite statement about a fortnight ago that they had not yet appointed any one to survey the county schools. Does he still say that is so?

SIR WILLIAM ANSON

I can hardly answer without going into detail. My statement was substantially correct. I will write to the local education authority, and if there is any correction to be made it shall be made.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

Then I take it the hon. Baronet did not communicate with the local authority before he made the statement. I may tell him, as a matter of fact, that they did appoint a surveyor.

SIR WILLIAM ANSON

I have said I will communicate with the local authority.

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

Did the hon. Baronet say he communicated with the local authority before he made the statement referred to?

SIR WILLIAM ANSON

I did not say that. What I did say I believe I shall be able to justify.