§ 41. Mr. GRUNDYasked the President of the Board of Education if he has been requested by the representatives of the non-provided elementary schools to arrange a conference with a view to an amicable arrangement of their existing difficulties; and, if he is prepared to call such a conference and if he has not had such a request, is he prepared to take the responsibility and arrange such conference?
§ 43. Viscount CRANBORNEasked the President of the Board of Education what action the Government propose to take in cases where the resources of the non-provided schools are not adequate to provide the additional accommodation involved by the Government decision to raise the school age to 15?
§ 50. Mr. BEAUMONTasked the President of the Board of Education, in view of Circular 1,404 and the admitted necessity for improved and increased buildings owing to the raising of the school age, whether he is going to take any steps to assist such building in voluntary schools; if so, what is the nature of these steps; and, if not, is he prepared to take over these schools at the expense of the taxpayer rather than the ratepayer?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Sir Charles Trevelyan)I dealt with the question of assistance to non-provided schools in the answer which I gave on Thursday last. I can only add to that answer that, as the House is aware, the local education authorities have to arrange for, or in the last resort to provide, accommodation for all the children resident in their area for whose education sufficient and suit able provision is not otherwise made.
§ Mr. GRUNDYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that His Eminence Cardinal Bourne said that the Government know full well that the Catholics are ready and willing to take part in any negotiations when given an opportunity, and what steps does he propose to take to give them such an opportunity?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI have had no communication whatever from His Eminence.
§ Mr. GRUNDYIf I send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the letter—
§ Mr. HANNONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the situation of these non-provided schools at present is very unsatisfactory, and that those responsible for the erection and maintenance of these schools are most anxious to have a consultation with the right hon. Gentleman; and will he afford them a suitable occasion, convenient to himself, to allow them to present their views to him?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI can only repeat that I have had no communication what ever from His Eminence.
§ Mr. HANNONThe answer of the right hon. Gentleman being so unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this question on a suitable occasion.
§ Mr. SPEAKERNotice has just been given that this matter is going to be raised on a Motion for the Adjournment.
§ Mr. BEAUMONTOn a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman said he would answer Question 50 with the other questions, but the last part of my question has not been answered at all.
§ Sir C. TREVELYANIt is included in my reply.