§ 76. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether at Shottermill, Surrey, a recent inquiry by a Commissioner of the Board of Education into an application for the enlargement of the Church of England school resulted in showing that the application of the managers to enlarge the school was undesirable, and that the local education authority and a large majority of the inhabitants desire the provision of a council school for senior children; whether the present school is both unsatisfactory, unhealthy, and dangerously situated; and whether under these circumstances he will refuse his approval of the plans for altering the existing school and order the local education authority to provide the school accommodation required?
Mr. PEASEAfter holding a public inquiry I have decided not to allow the application of the managers to enlarge the Church school. I understand that the local education authority contemplate the provision of a council school when the further development of the district requires it, and I am in communication with them with regard to the supply of school accommodation. At the inquiry a majority of the parents appeared to be in favour of such provision. The premises of the present school do not appear to be unhealthy, but they are not convenient for teaching purposes and the school abuts on two roads, on one of which there is a considerable amount of motor traffic. Plans for alteration without enlargement have not been submitted.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that two sides of this school are against roads where there is a lot of motor traffic and dust, and that the windows have to be closed tight all day long, and does he consider that is healthy?
Mr. PEASEI am aware there is a good deal of traffic, especially on one of the roads, but the sanitary condition of the school is satisfactory.