§ Viscount WOLMERasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that on 28th February, at Petersfield Petty Sessions, Henry Blackman was summoned for not sending his daughter to school; that it was proved in court that Dr. Jones, the local doctor, had previously informed Mr. W. H. Sale, the school attendance officer, that the girl was suffering from an illness which made it highly inadvisable that the girl should 746W be sent to school; that Mr. Blackman, though exonerated on all points, was refused the costs of the case; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent parents being unnecessarily summoned by school attendance officers and put to legal expense to defend themselves?
§ Mr. J. A. PEASENo information has been sent to me with regard to the matters referred to in the Noble Lord's question. The prosecution in such cases has been left by Statute to the local education authorities, and the decision in regard to costs is in the hands of the justices. I am afraid that I do not see my way to introduce legislation to interfere with the discretion of these authorities.