§ 62. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the reported statement by the chairman of the Darlington Education Committee that, in the proposal to re-establish the preparatory department in the girls high school, the committee were carrying out recommendations of His Majesty's inspector contained in the last report of the school's inspection; whether this is in accordance with the present policy of the Board; and if the advice was given with the knowledge and approval of the Board?
Duchess of ATHOLLMy right hon. Friend's attention has not been called to the reported statement in question. The last report on the school contains no recommendation that the junior department should be revived. The only reference to the matter occurs incidentally in the section of the Report relating to the premises and accommodation of the school, and is to the effect that for the present the accommodation is quite adequate, and that, even if it were decided to revive the junior school in the present buildings, this would not necessitate any immediate extension of the premises.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDIs the Noble Lady aware of any reason, other than that of snobbery, why these schools should be kept in being, seeing that the elementary schools do the work very much more successfully than any others?
Duchess of ATHOLLI think that, it' the hon. Member discussed the question with the heads of secondary schools, he would find that frequently there are reasons other than the very inadequate one which he has suggested.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDIs the Noble Lady aware that the matter has been discussed by the heads both of secondary schools and of elementary schools, and that one cannot get past examination results, which show that the elementary schools are better fitted for doing this work?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat can be discussed on Wednesday.