§ 54. Mr. O'GRADYasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Midland Leather Trades Federation applied for representation on the education committee about to be established by the Walsall Borough Council, and that, on a resolution drafted by the town clerk, the federation's request was refused; and whether, in view of the fact that the Midland Leather Trades Federation is the chief body of organised workpeople in the district, whose help is necessary for the success of the borough council's scheme, steps will be taken by the Board of Education so that no scheme will be sanctioned that does not provide for the representa- 2482 tion of such bodies as the Midland Leather Trades Federation?
Mr. PEASEThe federation referred to in the question wrote to the Board on 23rd September last with reference to representation on the Walsall Education Committee. Their communication was forwarded to the Walsall Borough Council, who, however, declined to make any amendment in the scheme. The Board were not prepared to interfere with the discretion of the council with regard to the constitution of their education committee and the new scheme, which satisfies the requirements of Section 17 of the Education Act, 1902, was approved by the Board on the 16th October last.