§ MR. BARNES (Glasgow, Blackfriars)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been called to the case of E. W. Lemmon, who is being prosecuted for libel in connection with state in outs made in reference to the alleged flogging of children at Luton School, Chatham, a non-provided school; and if he will order an inquiry into the whole circumstances.
§ MR. BIRRELLMy attention has only been called to the case through the hon. Member's Question. So far as the information in the Board's possession enables me to judge, it would scorn that after a preliminary hearing of the case on March 22nd the defendant was bound over to stand his trial at the next Assizes. I have no later information than this, but will endeavour to find out what has happened. It would not be proper or expedient for me to take any action while the case is sub judice.