§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the transference by the London County Council of the headmaster of the Portland School, Marylebone, to another school in the neighbourhood; whether the County Council attempted to close the Portland school in favour of the other to which the headmaster has been transferred; whether the proposal is now subject to the result of an inquiry promised by the Board of Education; whether, pending that inquiry, the London County Council gave the Board to understand that no change would be made in the Portland School; and whether, as that school has now no head teacher, the Education Department is satisfied that the efficiency of the school is being maintained?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. C. P. Trevelyan)The Board are aware that the headmaster of the Portland School has been transferred to the Barrett-street School. The proposal, which was sub- 174 mitted by the London County Council, and which is to be the subject of a Public Inquiry, is not the closure but the reorganisation of the Portland School. Pending the inquiry the Council undertook that the question of reorganisation would be left in abeyance, but they have informed the Board that apart from the reorganisation they desired to transfer the headmaster. This transfer was undoubtedly contemplated in connection with the reorganisation, but I understand that the Council regard it as merely incidental and not essential to it, and as not prejudicing the issue at the Public Inquiry, though it appears to me that their action is in some respects inconvenient. Assuming that a qualified successor is appointed, my right hon. Friend does not think he is in a position to intervene.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDHas there been a communication from the London County Council Education Committee about the appointment of a qualified person?
§ Mr. TREVELYANI will inquire into that matter.