§ 83. Mr. W. NICHOLSONasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the proposal of the Hampshire Local Education Authority to close the elementary school at Chalton, Horndean, Hants; that the consent of the managers has not been given to this closing; that no meeting of managers has been called in connection with the matter; and that 90 per cent. of the inhabitants signed a petition to the Local Education Authority to protest against the closing of the school; whether a petition has recently been received by him, signed by the entire body of inhabitants, protesting against the proposal; and if he will have the question thoroughly investigated?
§ Mr. FISHERI am aware of the proposal that this school should be closed. That Board asked for the observations of the managers on the matter, and received a reply from the chairman of the managers and correspondent of the school 1543 stating that he thought there was no objection to the closure and that it was a rightful economy. The Board interpreted this letter as meaning that the managers agreed with the Local Education Authority, and informed the Local Education Authority accordingly. In view of the hon. Member's question I will make further inquiry.