HC Deb 25 July 1927 vol 209 cc864-5W
Dr. SALTER

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that at a Conservative anti Unionist fete held at Farnborough, Kent, on 14th July, part of the entertainment provided was a dancing display given by the children of the infants' department of the local council schools under the direction of the head, teacher of the department; that the department was closed for the day for the purpose of enabling the display to be given; that the chairman of the school management committee is chairman of the local Conservative association that organised the fete; what action he proposes to take in the matter; and what steps he will institute to prevent a repetition of such an occurrence?

Lord E. PERCY

I have no information on this matter. As I have already stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon), on the 7th of this month, the closure of schools on particular days is within the discretion of the local authority and school managers, and is not a matter in which the Board intervene.