§ 43. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education (1) what are the rules of the Board for the protection of children and teachers and for the efficient performance of the school work during the time that a school building and playground are in the hands of the builders for reconstruction; (2) whether it is the practice of the Board, when sanctioning plans for altering or rebuilding a school, to attach any condition as to the provision of suit able accommodation for the school during the process of reconstruction, and to protect the children from injury; and (3) whether it is the practice of the Board of Education to sanction the rebuilding of a school whilst the scholars are in attendance, and to allow a school building and playground to be placed unreservedly in the hands of builders and their workmen without any educational supervision?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)The Board have not found it necessary to make any such rules as he suggests. The repair and rebuilding of school premises are generally carried out during school holidays. If the work has to be done while the scholars are in attendance the local education authority and the managers are responsible for the protection of the scholars and teachers from injury and of the school work from any avoidable disturbance. If the building work prevents the school premises from being used for a considerable time or involves any substantial interference with school work, the Board may require temporary accommodation to be provided, and in that case satisfy themselves as to its suitability.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in London especially several eases have recently arisen in which the difficulties referred to have recurred in quite an acute form?
§ Mr. TREVELYANI am not aware of that. I shall be very glad if my hon. Friend will give me particulars.