§ 25. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to introduce regulations providing for the closing of those schools which do not reach certain standards of educational and sanitary efficiency?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHMy predecessor appointed a departmental committee last December to survey the present position of schools not in receipt of grants from public funds, and to consider what legislative or other changes are desirable for the purpose of securing that children attending such schools receive an adequate education under suitable conditions. I do not propose to take any action in the matter until I have had an opportunity of considering the committee's report.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLECan the right ton. Gentleman state what proportion of schools now in operation do not Satisfy the conditions laid down by the Board?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThere are, of course, a great number of private schools which do not obtain grants at all, but I cannot say the exact number.
§ Sir W. BRASSWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get the report of this committee?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI am not able to say at present.
§ Mr. LEESWill the right hon. Gentleman publish the report on the schools referred to when he gets it?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI shall certainly consider the publication of the report of this committee.
§ Mr. FOOTWould the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to the request that the black-listed schools should be published, so that the public may know what schools there are on the list?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThat does not arise out of the question, which relates to private schools not receiving grants.