§ Mr. GRANTasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the deficiency in school accommodation in the parish of Legbuthwaite, in the district of Thirlmere, Cumberland; whether a vote of the parish has been taken; whether two-thirds of the ratepayers are in favour of the establishment of a public elementary school in that district; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to give effect to the wishes of the majority of the ratepayers?
§ Mr. J. A. PEASEMy attention has been called to the case, and I have received several petitions on the question of the provision of a school, including a document which indicates, as regards some 200 property owners, householders, ratepayers, occupiers, or inhabitants of the ancient parish of St. John's, Castlerigg and Wythburn, whether they are "for" the proposal, "against" it, or1200W "neutral." This document does not, however, show which of the signatories are ratepayers and which fall within the other categories mentioned. Copies of the petitions have been forwarded to the local education authority for their observations, and I am now hoping shortly to receive their reply. The case may prove to be one in which it will ultimately be necessary for me to direct a public inquiry to be held.