§ 27. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the various local inquiries held by the local education authority into the management and conduct of the Whitchurch Church of England School, Somerset; whether he has had information of the allegations made at one of these inquiries; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the children of this parish are receiving the benefits of properly administered education?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Joseph Pease)Through the courtesy of the chairman of the Somersetshire Education Committee I was enabled to see a report of an inquiry held by the local authority in June, 1911, with reference to complaints made in connection with the school named by the hon. Member. I understand that a further inquiry was held by the local education authority in January of this year, but I have no information with regard to it. The school was inspected in January of this year, and the Board are in communication with the authority with reference to certain irregularities in the conduct of the school, to which the Board have called attention.
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman press for the report of that inquiry held in January last, and accept my assurance that it is a very important matter?
§ Mr. PEASEI do not think I have any authority to call for the result of the inquiry by the local authority at that time, but I am making my own inquiries, and I shall get a report showing the result.