§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked whether the right hon. Gentleman had received from the London education authority a request for permission to partially close the Portland council school and transfer the scholars to other schools; whether he had received a request from the parents to hold a local inquiry, so that the wishes of the parents may be ascertained, in accordance with Section 9 of The Education Act, 1902; and whether he would grant such inquiry?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes, Sir; I have received the communication referred to, and I think it will probably be necessary to hold a public inquiry into the matter. In the meantime, the London County Council have informed the Board that, in view of the appeal which has been made, it is not proposed to carry out the reorganisation at the opening of the schools, and that the matter will be held over pending the further consideration of the whole question by the Board.