HC Deb 28 March 1922 vol 152 cc1296-7

(1) The Scheme set out in the Schedule to this Act is hereby confirmed.

(2) Nothing in this Act or in that Scheme shall save as in that Scheme expressly provided take away abridge or affect any power or jurisdiction of the High Court or of the Board of Education with respect to the Foundation dealt with by that Scheme or with respect to any scheme affecting that Foundation.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. RAWLINSON

May we know something about this Bill?

Mr. FISHER

The object of the Bill is to sanction the municipalisation of certain endowment schools. The hon. and learned Gentleman will find the objections summarised in the last page of the Report. The most formidable objection was that of the West Riding County Council, who thought they might lose their representation on the governing body, and were solicitous for the rights of the West Riding children in admission to the schools. Their objection was not answered officially as it came after the statutory period had elapsed, but the answer would have been that, as the borough council of Dewsbury was taking over financial responsibility for the schools, it was obvious that in such subordinate matters as the composition of the governing body and the regulations for admission would have to be left in their discretion. The Bill has been before the House of Commons since early in February, and no kind of objections having reached the Board, it may be considered as an agreed Measure.

Mr. RAWLINSON

I gather that the Bill makes no further call upon the public Exchequer in any way—that the expenditure falls entirely upon the munici- pality of Dewsbury, which is willing to undertake it?

Mr. FISHER

That is so.

Question put, and agreed to.