§ 74. Sir George Mitchesonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he can make a statement as to the number of schoolchildren at present resident in the county of London; and what proportion of them are now receiving full-time or part-time education, respectively?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)I am informed that 182,500 elementary schoolchildren are at present resident in the County of London. 24,300 are attending school half-time and about 85,000 are receiving instruction in home service classes; none is so far receiving full-time education. In view of the statement made by my Noble Friend last week, I now expect to see a rapid improvement in the position. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of recent circulars issued by the Board and by the Minister of Home Security on this matter.
§ Sir Percy HarrisCan the hon. Member give any indication of the approximate date when full-time education will be available for the majority of school children in London?
§ Mr. LindsayI did say that I hoped it would be in the middle of next term. The great thing at present is to get every child back at school at any rate for part time.
Vice-Admiral TaylorCan the hon. Member say whether the policy of the 587 Government in regard to the evacuation of school children has been changed?
§ Mr. LindsayI would rather not make a statement on that.