§ Mr. ELVERSTONasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, in accordance with Section 8 of the Education Act more than ten rate-payers in the area affected have signed a petition against the transfer of the Alderley Edge School to the Cheshire county authority; and whether he will make further inquiry before agreeing to the transfer?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Very careful consideration was given to the proposal in all its bearings and, as my right hon. Friend has stated in reply to a question addressed to him by the hon. Member for the Holmfirth Division of Yorkshire on the 10th April, the transfer has already received the approval of the Board. My hon. Friend is perhaps not aware that the proposal, which was estimated to effect a saving of some £2,000 to the rates, was supported by a petition signed by 270 ratepayers.
§ Mr. ELVERSTONMay I ask if the ratepayers who petitioned against the transfer were accorded a proper opportunity of stating their views to the Board of Education independently of the local authority?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThey had lull opportunity of stating their views to the Board, and their views were very carefully considered.