§ 23. Mr. J. DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether he has received any report from his inspectors with reference to the accommodation at Brasshouse Lane School, Smethwick; whether the report, if received, is unfavourable; and whether any steps are being taken to deal with the matter;
(2) whether he is aware of the shortage of elementary school accommodation at the Brasshouse Lane School, Smethwick; and what he proposes to do in the matter?
(3) if he can state the number of children between the age of five and ten in the Brasshouse Lane district of Smethwick who have not yet been admitted to school; whether he is aware that, of the children admitted since April, 1920, 91 were from five and a half to six years old, 26 were from six to six and a half, 16 from six and a half to seven, nine were 1779 between seven and seven and a half, and three were between seven and a half and eight years old at the time of their admission; and whether, in view of the inadequate educational facilities in this locality, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. FISHERThe question of the sufficiency of public elementary school accommodation in the district referred to has been before the Board for some time. Plans for the provision of additional accommodation are now under consideration.
§ Mr. DAVISONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of statements in circulation in this district that there are children of thirteen years of age who have never received one day's elementary education, and does he consider that we are at all likely to raise an A1 nation if that is the position with regard to education?
§ Mr. FISHERI am not aware of the facts stated.