§ Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the accommodation, the playground, and the sanitary convenience of the Church of England school at Sharlston, West Biding, are adequate; if not, in what respects are they 2294W deficient; how long have they been reported as defective; and what steps are being taken to obtain for the children of this place adequate and proper school accommodation?
Mr. PEASEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Proposals for the improvement of the school premises referred to were required in January, 1910, when it was pointed out, amongst other defects, that the cloakroom accommodation was inadequate. The average attendance for the last completed school year ended 31st March, 1912, was in excess of the recognised accommodation, but the Board were informed in May of last year that the managers would proceed with the improvements, in accordance with plans which had been approved, with the least possible delay. The playground accommodation is not quite in accordance with the usual requirements of the Board, but, as I stated to the House on Tuesday evening, I am not prepared to reduce the accommodation of the school on that account. Some delay has taken place owing to the efforts of the managers to obtain an addition to the site of the school, but the managers will now be asked to proceed with the improvements to the buildings without delay.