Merioneth Education Dispute

LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)
I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if he will state the tenor of the replies of the Merionethshire local education authority to his recent letters about the payment of salaries to teachers in non-provided schools; and what action the Board is taking.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (Mr. MCKENNA, Monmouthshire, N.)
I presume the noble Lord refers to the Board's letters to the local education authority asking whether the claims of the managers of certain voluntary schools for the repayment of sums paid by them to the teachers are correct. The Board have not as yet received replies.

LORD R. CECIL
asked when the Board's letter was sent.

MR. MCKENNA
I think on Thursday or Friday last.

LORD BALCARRES
In view of this procrastination, will the right hon. Gentleman telegraph to the local authority to the effect that many of these teachers have not yet received their salaries?

MR. MCKENNA
The noble Lord has no right to use the word "procrastination." The local authority has not delayed in this case at all. They have refused to pay the salaries on the ground of principle.

LORD R. CECIL
asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was not aware that it was part of the policy of the "Welsh revolt" to consume as much time as possible in correspondence with the Department.

MR. MCKENNA
No, Sir.

LORD R. CECIL
Advice given by the President of the Board of Trade.