65.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that there are already 1,532 places in the Roman Catholic schools of Chorley and 88 more places in them are sanctioned, while the average attendance is only 1,178; and whether there is any need to sanction the building of a new Catholic school in Chorley?
I have directed a public inquiry in connection with the proposal to provide a new Roman Catholic school at Chorley. I am not prepared to express any opinion as to the necessity for the school until I have received the report.
Will the right hon. Gentleman accept my figures?
I should like to wait and see the report of the gentleman who has been sent to inquire into the matter.
I think that the right hon. Gentleman will find that I am correct.
66.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that an old parochial room is now being used as a temporary school in Chorley; will he say at what date application was made for leave to use this room; when was the leave granted by the Board, and for how many scholars; whether as a matter of fact the room was so used before the leave was obtained; for how many scholars the room is authorised; and when this makeshift room will be replaced by proper school accommodation?
Applications for leave to use the room referred to was made on the 29th November, 1912, and granted, after inquiry, on the 25th February, 1913. The room is recognised for fifty-six scholars until the 30th September, 1913. From inquiries I have made I believe that the room was used occasionally for oral lessons before formal authorisation was given by the Board. The local authority desire its recognition up to the 30th September, and I presume, therefore, that they are making arrangements to provide permanent accommodation after that date. The room is in the same building as, and forms part of, the St. James's infants' school.
Is it not against the Regulations of the Board to give lessons in other than authorised schools?
Yes, that is so.
Will the Grant be suitably docked in consideration of this infringement of your Order?
No. I think that in the circumstances a little latitude ought to be shown, and I do not think that I can reduce the Grant in consequence of what has been done.