HC Deb 06 May 1914 vol 62 cc265-6
35. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board wrote to the managers of the boys' national school, Lancaster, on the 14th February, 1905, directing the managers to pay the income of Pyper's Endowment to the local education authorities; whether for nine years the managers ignored this direction and accumulated the endowment money in the bank; whether the Board again wrote on the 3rd January, 1914, stating that all accrued interest must be paid over to the local education authorities; whether the managers have complied with the Board's direction; and, if not, what steps will be taken to carry out the provisions of Section 13 of the Education Act, 1902?

Mr. PEASE

In the first letter referred to by the hon. Member the Board expressed the opinion that the income of Pyper's Endowment was payable to the local education authority. I understand that the trustees have accumulated the income. On the 3rd January last the Board wrote a letter to the effect stated by the hon. Member. I do not know whether the accumulations have yet been paid to the local education authority, but I have reason to believe that this will be done. If no payment is made the Board will be prepared, on the application of the authority, to authorise them to take legal proceedings in the matter.

Mr. KING

If the trustees for ten years, in spite of the Act of Parliament and its clear definition and in spite of the Board of Education, continue to accumulate the money, are they not guilty of a breach of trust?

Mr. PEASE

That is a matter for consideration if necessary, but I hope the necessity will not arise.