§ 27. Mr. HAYESasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the hardship imposed upon some of the poorest people in Liverpool in having to make provision for the rebuilding of St. Anne's schools, Edge Hill, consequent upon the old schools being condemned by His Majesty's inspector; and whether he will consider some form of financial relief for such non-provided schools?
§ Lord E. PERCYThis school has not been "condemned." Ever since 1911 its accommodation has been regarded as inadequate; the Managers have been the first to reeognize this fact and have shown themselves anxious to provide new or additional accommodation. The school was, therefore, included in the Board's list of defective premises but in view of the obvious difficulties which faced the Managers I have refrained from fixing any date for the termination of the recognition of the existing premises. If the hon. Member has been following the discussions on educational policy which have taken place during the last three or four years he will know that I am very keenly conscious of the burden which the replacement of such a school imposes on a poor parish, but I think he is well aware of the fact that I am at present precluded by law from relieving that burden.
§ Mr. HAYESIn view of the examination made of this subject by the President of the Board of Education and his experience, is he in favour of introducing legislation which will do something to help effectively in this problem, which is getting worse and worse?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe hon. Member has overlooked the fact that in 1926 I announced that the Government were prepared to introduce amending legislation on certain lines which I thought would ease considerably the position of Liverpool and elsewhere, provided that they were satisfied that: the legislation was generally acceptable.
§ Mr. HAYESWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the position now with regard to the proposed legislation?
§ Lord E. PERCYIt is the same as it was then, and, as the hon. Member seems to be enthusiastic on this subject, I hope that he will give it more attention than he did in 1926 when I made the announcement.