§ 29 Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in the Survey Reports of the Board twelve cases of voluntary schools in London occur in which the general defects do not admit of any remedy; what steps are being taken to replace hopelessly bad school premises; (2) whether he is aware that the premises of the St. Andrew's (Holborn) parochial school are very defective; that there is no playground; that the small yard is not enough for physical exercises or recreation, and that, in consequence, the 300 children in this school are deprived of proper education; what action he intends to take; and (3) whether he is aware that the parochial school of St. George the Martyr, Holborn, is without any play ground for boys, and that recreation and physical exercises are taken in the public road; whether this arrangement is according to the regulations of the Board; whether it will be allowed to be continued; and whether any steps are being taken to provide proper accommodation for the children?
Mr. PEASEI am fully aware of the facts of the cases referred to as they appear to be taken by the hon. Member from the official correspondence of the Board. I have drawn the attention of the London County Council and the managers to the defects, and it is my intention to secure improvement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman use the new large Grants that are being voted shortly as a lever to compel instant action on the part of the local authorities?
Mr. PEASEI cannot compel instant action until I have got the authority of Parliament to use the Grants.