35. Captain FABERasked whether the Butlocks school dispute is now settled; and, if so, on what conditions; and whether the normal amount of children now attend the school?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)The dispute in question is not one in which the Board have any power to intervene, but I understand it is not yet settled and that seventy-three children, out of a total of 282, are withdrawn from the school and are receiving instruction elsewhere.
§ Mr. SNOWDENDid not the Secretary of the Board of Education state, in reply to a question a week ago or more, that if the children in considerable numbers absented themselves, it would give the Board of Education cause for inquiry?
§ Mr. PEASEWe are looking very carefully into the matter. As a matter of fact, all these children withdrawn are being educated elsewhere.
§ Mr. CROOKSAre we to understand that this school authority can defy the education authorities and there is no possible remedy for this state of things going on?
§ Mr. PEASEIt is competent for all local authorities to prosecute parents who do not send their children to school if they have provided proper education facilities.