§ Mr. MURRELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it is proposed to convert the nautical school at Portishead into an industrial school; whether he is aware that this step is being taken against the wishes of many who, in the past, have contributed to the building, upkeep, and equipment of the school, with the object of it being used for the training of sailors; if there are any endowments attached to the school; and what it is proposed to do with these endowments in the event of the change taking place?
Mr. DAVIESI have been asked to reply to this question. The nautical school at Portishead has been certified as an industrial school since its foundation. Although its main object has been to train boys for the sea, only a small proportion of the boys have in recent years become sailors. The number of boys sent to the school from the Courts having decreased, the managers, at the request I of the Home Office, are considering a scheme of reorganisation under which nautical training will continue to be a prominent feature of the school, but at the same time adequate provision will be made for those boys who do not wish to adopt a seafaring life. The only endowment attached to the school is, I understand, a small one, and this will not be affected by the proposed scheme.