MR. BEIDGEMAN (Shropshire, Oswestry)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if several thousands of pounds have been paid within the last few years in rent by the local education authority for Merthyr Tydvil to the owners of chapels for the use of buildings for educational purposes, which cannot be regarded as fulfilling modern educational requirements; and if he will give a Return for the last seven years, stating the total amount paid for such purposes, and giving the amount for each several year.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Mr. BIRRELL, Bristol, N.)The only information in the Board's possession in regard to the points referred to in the Question is: (a) that there appears to be a chapel in temporary use for public elementary school purposes connected with Merthyr Vale Council School; and three chapels seem to have been used in 1903–5 while alterations were being made to Abermoralis Council School; and (b) that the financial statement of the local authority shows some £342 to have been paid in the shape of rent for premises used for public elementary school purposes during, the year ending 31st March, 1906. I do not see that any useful purpose would be served by any such Return for seven years as is asked for in the concluding paragraph of the Question. The Board have to see that satisfactory accommodation is provided for the school children. whether temporary or permanent; and so long as this is satisfied the Board of Education are not concerned with discriminating between premises that are rented and premises that are purchased, or are specially erected.
§ MR. BRIDGEMANDo I understand that the chapels are used for temporary purposes only?
§ MR. BIRRELLYes, temporary purposes.