§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he will state how much loss of Grant to education authorities has been occasioned by the closing of schools commandeered by the military authorities; and how the deficiency of income thus arising will be made up?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)The Board have received very few representations as to loss of Grant attributable to the military occupation of schools, and it is impossible to form any estimate of the amount involved. The Board have taken power, by a Minute dated 25th November, 1914, to pay Grant in spite of the non-observance of some of the ordinary conditions of the code by schools whose premises are in military occupation, and it is probable that this will enable the Board to deal with most cases of hardship.
§ Mr. RENDALLHas the right hon. Gentleman been informed that in many towns schools have been taken over by the military authorities for military purposes when other halls are available? Does he approve of that and will he inquire into the matter and take steps to prevent if?
§ Mr. PEASESome cases such as are suggested by the hon. Gentleman did occur. We have made inquiry into them, and I am very glad to say arrangements have been made by the War Office to deal with them. No such cases exist at the present time, the fresh arrangements entered into being quite satisfactory.
§ having arisen in connection with commandeering school buildings, is now out of date; and, if so, whether it will be withdrawn or reissued in a new form to meet the present unnecessary commandeering of school buildings?
§ Mr. PEASEThe occupation of schools for military purposes is now dealt with under Circular 893 of 8th March, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. Any cases of unnecessary commandeering which have recently arisen have been promptly set right by the military authorities.