HC Deb 28 January 1918 vol 101 cc1331-2W
Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give the latest available figures of the roll or average attendance, or both, in public elementary schools in England and Wales, distinguishing between schools provided by local authorities and schools not so provided, and distinguishing between the different denominations of the non-provided schools?

Mr. HERBERT FISHER

The latest figures available are for the year 1913–14, and are as follows

ENGLAND AND WALES. PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (including Section 15 Schools).
Schools. Average Attendance. Average number on Register.
Total Council 3,323,320 3,741,911
Church of England 1,641,158 1,848,889
Wesleyan 43,735 50,057
Roman Catholic 304,086 349,265
Others 77,280 87,066
Total Voluntary 2,069,259 2,335,277
Total Council and Voluntary 5,392,579 6,077,188

Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give information, taking such period of time as is easily available, as to the number of schools in which the Board of Education has consented to an extension of the age limit as provided by Section 22 (2) of the Education Act. 1902, the names of such schools. and the names of the local education authorities who maintain them?

Mr. FISHER

During the last three calendar years, 1915. 1916, and 1917, the Board have consented to an extension of the age limit under Section 22 (2) of the Act of 1902 in the case of 90. 71, and 68 schools respectively. The preparation of a list of the schools and local education authorities concerned would interfere with current work of greater importance, and I do not think it would be justified at the present time.