§ Mr. STAVELEY-HILLasked the President of the Board of Education whether he can state the number of non-provided schools of the Church of England, Roman Catholic, and other denominations in England 1564W and Wales which have been closed during 1907, 1908, and the first six months of 1909, because structural defects have not been remedied, and the number of schools which are threatened with the same treatment?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe following statement shows the number of schools in England and Wales which have been closed during the periods stated:—
1907. 1968. First 6 m'nths of 1909. England. Wales England. Wales England. Wales Church of England 61 5 56 6 26 5 Roman Catholic 1 1 5 — 1 — Other denominations 24 — 18 5 14 1 Total 86 6 79 11 41 6 It is not possible to say in how many cases the closure was due to requirements as to structural alterations not having been complied with. Nor am I able to say how many schools are threatened with closure for the same reason. In the majority of cases the Board's requirements are duly carried out.