§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Education whether attendance at the day continuation schools established by the West Ham Education Authority is no longer enforced, but is left to the choice of the parents and scholars; and, if so, why?
§ Mr. FISHERThe West Ham local education authority decided last summer that they would not take legal proceedings to enforce attendance at their day continuation schools. Two of the schools have been closed for admission to the remaining schools is confined to those young persons who undertake to attend regularly. I believe the local education authority were influenced by the objections of the parents who believed that their children were placed at a disadvantage as compared with those from neighbouring areas in competing for such scanty employment as was available.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Education whether certain scholars attend London County Council day continuation schools on one day in the week for two periods of four hours, being in school from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., with a dinner interval of one hour; and does the Board approve of such long hours of continuous school work for boys and girls under 15?
§ Mr. FISHERNormally young persons attend London County Council day continuation schools for two half-days on different days in the week. The arrangement mentioned by the hon. Baronet is692W exceptional and is only made to meet the special circumstances affecting individuals. I do not think that occasion has arisen for my intervention.