§ 17 Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether he is aware that in fifty-five cases of voluntary schools under the London education authority there are substantial defects in buildings or playgrounds or both, and that in these cases the Board has insisted on substantial improvements at an early date; whether he will inform the local education authority that unless these improvements are effected the new block Grant will not be payable; (2) whether he is aware that the St. Mary Abbott's, Kensington, higher grade school is conducted in all three departments, boys, girls, and infants, in premises that are condemned as unsatisfactory, and that the only playground for boys is in the basement; whether he will call upon the local education authority to provide proper accommodation for the 674 children accommodated in this school; (3) whether he has authorised a letter, dated 14th April, 1914, from the Board of Education to the London education authority, calling attention of over 100 voluntary schools the premises of which are stated to be unsatisfactory; whether it is his intention to press the local education authority and the managers until these schools are made to comply with the Code and building rules of the Board; and (4) whether he is aware that the Coleman Street Ward school, in the City of London, has premises so ill-lighted that artificial light is required for many school hours, that gas-burners are used, and that the ventilation is defective; that the boys' playground is under arches; and that physical exercises are impossible; and whether he intends to terminate the recognition of this school at an early date?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe letter to which the hon. Member refers was issued with the President's authority. He is well aware of the defects of the schools referred to, and I can assure the hon. Member that whatever steps are necessary to ensure the provision of a sufficient amount of suitable school accommodation in the area will be taken. With regard to the Coleman Street Ward school, our information does not warrant the statement that physical exercises are impossible.
§ Mr. KINGWith regard to the second of these questions, is the hon. Gentleman aware that St. Mary Abbott's, Kensington, is one of the richest districts in London, and can very well afford to have proper school premises for its children?
§ Mr. TREVELYANI am aware of that.
§ Mr. HOAREIs the hon. Gentleman also aware that during the last few years half a million sterling has been spent on non-provided schools in London by Churchmen to bring them up to the requirements of the county council and the Board of Education?
§ Mr. KINGAnd is the hon. Gentleman also aware that it requires about two or three million pounds to bring the schools up to the proper level required by the Board?