§ MR. ROGERSI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the practice of the Woods and Forests Commissioners to present sites and to make monetary grants out of their revenues for the purpose of assisting the building of non-provided elementary schools; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that, in future, such grants, whether of land or of money, are not made except to schools under public control and in which teachers are subject to no disabling tests.
§ MR. McKENNAThe power to make grants of Crown Lands as sites for schools 729 which was given by Section 45 of the Crown Lands Act, 1829, was taken away by the Crown Lands Act, 1894; but Section 5 of the latter Act provides that the Commissioners of Woods may, with the consent of the Treasury, make donations of money out of the income of the Land Revenues of the Crown for any educational purposes connected with land under the management of the Commissioners. Since the passing of the Education Act, 1902, a certain number of donations have been made in cases where the amount of the voluntary contributions and other circumstances seemed to justifiy it, but no further promises of donations will be made whilst the present Education Bill is before Parliament.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N)Where can I get information as to the amount of property held by the Commissioners?
§ MR. McKENNAIf the hon. Member will speak to me privately I will show him it.