HC Deb 10 April 1913 vol 51 cc1348-9
41. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked why the Glamorganshire local authority have not yet paid the arrears of salary due to the teachers in Llansannor Church School.

Mr. PEASE

I understand the salaries have been paid by the managers, and the authority, who have agreed to maintain the school, are now only waiting for the particulars to be furnished of the total sum asked for before they actually pay the sum due to the managers.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the managers have waited six months or more?

Mr. PEASE

I was informed as lately as yesterday that they only received the total of the amount asked for and no particulars of items have been yet furnished, and the local authority is waiting to receive these items before paying the full amount.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Does not each day that passes make a larger sum due, and that this argument might postpone payment for months?

Mr. PEASE

I only express the hope that the managers will furnish the necessary particulars, so that they may be examined in the ordinary way.

42. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked what are the attendance and staffing, respectively, of Llansannor Church school, Llansannor council school, and Maendy council school?

Mr. PEASE

The average attendance at the Llansannor Church school may be taken as forty-seven, and at the council school as forty-two. The figures are based on 90 per cent. of names on register. The staff at the Church school consists of a head teacher and a monitress, but I understand that the local education authority have advertised for a new head teacher who can speak Welsh and for a supplementary teacher for this school. The staff of the council school consists of a head teacher, a supplementary teacher, and a monitress. The average attendance at the St. Donat's Maendy council school for the last completed school year was eighty-six, and the staff consisted of a head teacher and three uncertificated teachers.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Can the right hon Gentleman give any indication why the staff of the council school is so much larger in proportion to attendance than the other?

Mr. PEASE

The authority of course have control as to the strength of the staff in the school, and so long as they are sufficient no exception can be taken on the ground of efficiency by the Board.