§ Mr. BOLANDasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Board ratified the increase of the St. George's School, Nelson, on 9th July, 1904, from 98 infants to a total of 143, viz.: 93 infants and 50 in Standard I., thereby proving that the statement made by the Board on 20th July, 1902, that the school was for 98 infants only was incorrect; and can he state what objection is now raised by the Board or by the Nelson local education authority to its recognition as a mixed and infants' school?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe managers were informed on the 9th July, 1904, that the Board were prepared to recognise the school as accommodating 93 infants and 50 children in Standard I., provided that Standard I. remained an upper class and an integral part of the infants' school. It is understood that the managers desire recognition for older children as well as for infants. If this is the case, the statutory requirements imposed by section 8 of the Education Act, 1902, must be satisfied before the Board can proceed to consider the Managers' application.
§ Mr. BOLANDCan the right hon. Gentleman say what opposition is raised by the Nelson local education authority to its recognition?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot say that there is any opposition raised by the Nelson local education authority. As I said in the reply to this question and a previous question it is impossible to recognise the school at all until the Statutory requirements have been fulfilled.