HC Deb 06 August 1913 vol 56 cc1482-3
51 and 52. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether he is aware that the Report of His Majesty's inspector, who visited Butlocks Heath School in February last, stated that matters could only be remedied by the removal of the present head master; whether he is aware that the managers have informed the education authority that the head master should seek an appointment elsewhere, and that the Hampshire Education Committee refuse to take any action whatever; whether, under the circumstances, the Board of Education will now intervene; and (2) whether he is aware that at the meeting of the Hampshire Education Authority on the 25th July no action was taken concerning Butlocks Heath School, near Southampton; whether he will now call upon the authority to remedy the conditions which have now continued over six months; or whether he intends to take such action himself as will put an end to the grievances of ratepayers and parents?

Mr. PEASE

The report of His Majesty's inspector said nothing whatever about the removal of the head master. I understand that the managers of the school and the elementary education sub-committee of the county education committee have passed resolutions expressing the opinion that the head master should seek an appointment elsewhere, and that the proceedings of the elementary education sub-committee were confirmed at the meeting of the education committee on 25th July last. I do not think that any occasion has arisen which would warrant me in interfering with the discretion of the local education authority in the administration of their area.

Mr. KING

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he previously stated that, on 25th July, public action would be taken, and that although the local authority met on that date no public action has been taken and no hope is held out to the ratepayers?

Mr. PEASE

My recollection is that I said I could not anticipate what action the authority might take when they met on 25th July, but I did not feel I was justified in interfering with the discretion of the local authority in this matter.