§ Mr. R. MORRISONasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Risley Avenue School, Tottenham, is seriously overcrowded, there being 1,686 children on the roll and only accommodation for 1,424; that, in addition, 96 children between the ages of five and seven have been refused admission and are not attending any school; and that 2274W the local education authority has been endeavouring since 1921 to obtain the consent of the Board of Education to the purchase of land for the erection of a school; and, in view of the urgency of this matter and the growing indignation of parents in the locality, who are prevented from sending their children to school, if he will take immediate steps to see that consent to the purchase of a school site is no longer withheld?
§ Lord E. PERCYI am aware of the position at this school; the average attendance is, of course, considerably less than the number on the roll. On my latest information there is accommodation to spare, particularly for younger children, at a neighbouring school, and I am not aware that any children are unable to find places in school. The Board, as long ago as January, 1922, expressed their readiness to consider the acquisition of a site for a new school. A suitable site belonging to the district council has been proposed, but the price suggested by the council greatly exceeds the valuation put upon it by the district valuer. Before formally approving the site, the Board require to know whether the council will accept that valuation.