§ LORD R. CECIL (Marylebone, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if he will state when the managers of the Oxford Street School at Swansea first referred the question of the sufficiency of the teacher's salaries to the Board of Education under Section 7 of the Education Act, 1902; what action was taken thereupon by the present Chief Secretary for Ireland; whether the Board informed the local education authority as early as July, 1906, that their action was unjust to the teachers and children and gravely imperilling the efficiency of the school; whether the 1227 managers have since that time repeatedly pressed for a decision on the question; and how much longer will it be before such decision is given.
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe Answer to the first paragraph is in November, 1905. With regard to the second paragraph, I think I should refer the noble Lord to the very full Answers given by my right hon. friend to him in December, 1906. The replies to the third and fourth Questions are in the affirmative. A public inquiry was held by my directions at Swansea, and the report is now under my consideration.
§ LORD R. CECILIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that from 1st August last year the managers of this school have been paying to their teachers out of their own pockets the difference between the salaries awarded by the local education committee and and that paid by the same committee to the teachers in their own school?
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe reason why I ordered a public inquiry was that I might get an impartial account. I think the noble Lord will get from the Report which will be published shortly all the information he requires.
§ LORD R. CECILWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to arrive at a decision?
§ MR. RUNCIMANI hope before long.