§ MR. BRIDGEMAN (Shropshire, Oswestry)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if he has sanctioned the building of a new council school in the parish of Shotton, Flint-shire, adjacent to a Church school in which the accommodation is 282, and the average attendance below 200, and where no lessons on the Catechism or Prayer Book are given except to children whose parents have expressed their desire 320 for it; and if he can say why no inquiry was held when a petition signed by 115 ratepayers was sent asking for an inquiry?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Mr. MCKENNA,) Monmouth, N.Yes, Sir; a new council school in this parish has been sanctioned. The local education authority informs me that there are 740 children of school age in the district, and that the only school available is the St. Ethelwold's Church School accommodating 282 children. Many children for whom accommodation should be provided in Shotton are understood to walk a considerable distance to other schools. In these circumstances it did not appear to the Board necessary to hold a public inquiry in order to enable them to arrive at a decision.
§ MR. BRIDGEMANWhat steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take to ascertain the views of those who object?
§ MR. MCKENNAIt is not necessary to take any steps. The local authorities are satisfied that accommodation must be found for these 500 children.
§ MR. BRIDGEMANThen it is a case of hearing only one side?
§ MR. MCKENNANo, sir; but the authority must conform to the wishes of the Standing Committee.