HC Deb 08 February 1915 vol 69 cc225-7
14. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the number of children of school age in Salisbury has been recently increased by the influx of soldiers' families from Bulford and that, the existing schools in Salisbury being in part overcrowded and in the whole deficient for the requirements of the city, these children are deprived of proper education; and what steps will be taken to deal with this situation?

Mr. PEASE

On the information at present before me I have no reason to suppose that any soldiers' children who have lately come into Salisbury are deprived of proper education, but I am making further inquiries.

16. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the boys' department of St. Mark's School, Salisbury, has for many months past been overcrowded; whether the Board has warned the managers that Article 19 of the code was a condition of receiving the Grant; and whether it is intended to enforce the provisions of the code in this case?

Mr. PEASE

For the school year ended 31st October, 1914, the average attendance exceeded the recognised accommodation by two. The latest information shows that the attendance has fallen considerably. A warning was sent, and the local education authority have instructed the managers that the conditions of the code must be complied with. I trust steps will now be taken to find accommodation; if not, I shall press the local education authority further.

Mr. KING

How long has this gone on?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

To whom is the accommodation confined?

Mr. PEASE

That is the average accommodation. There are days when probably the accommodation is less satisfactory. I cannot say without reference how long the question connected with accommodation has gone on, but certainly for some few months.

17. Mr. KING

asked whether Mr. Phipps, chief secretary of elementary education under the Board, recently visited Salisbury in order to report on the educational facilities of that city; and, if so, whether his report was to the effect that school accommodation in Salisbury is deficient?

Mr. PEASE

Mr. Phipps went to Salisbury, but not in order to report on the educational facilities of the city, and the second part of the hon. Member's question does not, therefore, arise.