HC Deb 26 March 1908 vol 186 cc1571-2
MR. ESSEX (Gloucestershire, Cirencester)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to a Primrose League concert and smoking political meeting held about a fortnight ago in the schoolroom of Castle Morton, Worcestershire, the vicar of the parish in the chair; whether he is aware that an off-license permitted the sale of refreshments on the school premises to many lads and other persons who were present; and whether he is taking or has taken any action in the matter.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Mr. MCKENNA,) Monmouthsire, N.

Yes, Sir. This school is a church school, the trustees of which are the Bishop and Archdeacon of Worcester and the Vicar of Longdon. I am not at present aware of the precise provisions of the trust or of the degree of responsibility of the trustees, but I have very little doubt that the use of the premises for the purposes mentioned, accompanied by the sale of intoxicating liquor, is not permissible under the terms of the deed.

MR. ESSEX

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that the permission was legally given?

MR. McKENNA

I had nothing to do with the legality of the permission. The point of the Question is as to the permissible nature of this use of a trust building. I do not think it was permissible.

VISCOUNT HELMSLEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman inquired if the facts are as alleged?

MR. McKENNA

I have been informed they are.

VISCOUNT HELMSLEY

By whom?

[No Answer was returned.]