§ Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he was aware that the building of the Wesleyan school, Beckwith Street, Birkenhead, was condemned some years ago and the school closed in 1908, and that it was now proposed to use this old building as part of Holy Trinity schools, thereby increasing the accommodation of these schools by 165 places; whether the Board were satisfied that this new accommodation was suitable in every way in accordance with the rules of planning enforced by the Board on new schools; and whether the usual three months' notice would be given to enable managers of other schools and any ten ratepayers to appeal, as provided by Section 8 of the Education Act, 1902?
Mr. PEASEThe Beckwith Street Wesleyan school was closed in 1909. Adverse comments had been made by the Board on its premises but it had not been actually condemned. It is now proposed to make various alterations to these premises and to use them as part of the Holy Trinity school. The plans are still under consideration on details, but appear generally satisfactory. The accommodation for which the Holy Trinity school was recognised up to the 1st April, 1911, was 696. The managers' first scheme involved a 22 per cent. increase on this figure and the Board stated that they would require notices to be published under Section 8 of the Education Act, 1902. Some amendments have, however, been made in the scheme of alterations, with the result that an increase of about 10 per cent. only appears now to be involved and the Board, on the request of the local education authority, have intimated that in these circumstances they will be prepared to waive the publication of notices.
§ Mr. KINGAre we to assume that a school which is condemned when carried on by Wesleyans may be opened as a new school on behalf of the Church of England?
Mr. PEASEI understand that these buildings have been in the nature of derelict property for some little time, and that they can be converted into quite suitable buildings for the object for which they are now required.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that both the medical officer and the borough engineer condemned them many years ago on grounds that were quite insuperable? Will he inquire of those officers whether those insuperable objections still exist?