HL Deb 01 May 1951 vol 171 cc569-70

2.37 p.m.

VISCOUNT ALLENBY

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that educational facilities are promptly available for all children on arrival in new towns, and, if not what is (a) the maximum, and (b) the average period of delay; and what steps are being taken to remedy it.]

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, I have been asked to reply. A sufficiency of new school accommodation is included in the overall plans for all new towns, and in general it has so far been found possible to meet the requirements for school accommodation. While everything possible is done to keep school building and housing in step, houses can be erected much more quickly than schools and, exceptionally, it may be necessary to make temporary arrangements for the accommodation of the children until the permanent schools can be made ready for them.

THE EARL OF PERTH

Arising out of that reply, will the noble Lord say whether we can take it for granted that the provisions of the Education Acts which lay down that the wishes of the parents must be taken into consideration in the matter of the education of their children will be taken into account?

LORD SHEPHERD

Certainly.

THE MARQUESS OF READING

My Lords, does the answer given to my noble friend Lord Allenby mean that sufficient accommodation is provided at the present moment to enable all the children to have schooling?

LORD SHEPHERD

Yes. In circumstances where it is clear that permanent accommodation will not be ready, the local education authorities make the necessary provision for temporary accommodation.

LORD HAWKE

Will the noble Lord confirm that that applies to Crawley new town?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, the noble Lord may be aware that, in the case of Crawley, a new primary school was commenced in March last for about 600 pupils. He may also be aware that very shortly work will begin on a new secondary school to accommodate 450 pupils. In the meantime, temporary arrangements are to be made, but I am informed that there are at present vacant places in one of the Church of England primary schools, and it is hoped that accommodation for some of the children will be found there.