§ MR. BRIDGEMANI beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if local authorities in Wales are acquiring sites and beginning to build schools before any decision has been given, under Sections 8 and 9 of the Education Act, 1902, as to the necessity of such schools, and in some cases before the period of three months required by the Act has elapsed; and whether such action would be within the power of a local authority or would have the approval of the Board.
§ MR. McKENNAThe Board are aware that several local education authorities in Wales entered into provisional contracts for the acquisition of sites before the expiration of the period of notice required by Section 8 of the Education Act, 1902, but they have no reason to believe that any authority started building operations before the Board's decision upon the necessity of the school had been given. In any case no such action as the hon. Member refers to would be allowed to influence the Board in deciding as to the necessity or otherwise of any school.