§ 78. Lord ROBERT CECILasked if the attention of the President of the Board of Education has been called to a case at Petty Sessions held on 1st November, 1912, at Ingleton, in Yorkshire, where William Sanderson was lined 20s. for the non-attendance of his daughter at a school cookery class; whether he is aware that it was admitted by the prosecution that William Sanderson's daughter had at tended school with commendable regularity, having in fact only missed three attendances in four years; and whether the Government will introduce legislation to prevent the Education Acts becoming an instrument for the oppression of the poor?
Mr. PEASEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Under the Education Acts it is the duty of the local education authority to make bylaws regulating the attendance of children at elementary schools and to enforce them. Such information as I possess does not justify mo in accepting the suggestion of the Noble Lord that the local education authority or the magistrates before whom parents may be summoned use the Education Acts to oppress the poor.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the middle part of the question whether it is the fact that this child has only missed three attendances in four years?
Mr. PEASEI am not aware of all the facts disclosed before the magistrates, but if anybody has any grievance in regard to any conviction or penalty, of course the remedy is an appeal to the Home Office.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether that is so or not?
Mr. PEASEI am quite prepared to ascertain that particular fact, but that is a matter which does not in any way influence me in my desire not to interfere with the discretion of the local authorities in carrying out the Regulations.