§ 37. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that there are thirteen voluntary schools under the London education authority which have no playground whatever, and for which no adequate provision can be made for physical exercises and for recreation; and what steps will be taken to secure to the children in these schools physical exercises and recreation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances of the cases referred to. They were dealt with in official correspondence, which is now under the consideration of the London County Council and the managers. Care will be taken to ensure adequate provision for physical exercises and recreation.
§ Mr. KINGIs the syllabus for physical exercises now compulsory in these schools, and, if so, how are they carried out without playgrounds?
§ Mr. TREVELYANNo, they are not compulsory.
§ 38. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Westminster Cathedral (Great Peter Street) school has been condemned by the Board of Education as so defective in the premises that no reasonable expenditure on the existing school building would be justified; whether it is his intention to cease to recognise this school after a definite date; and whether the local education authority will be called upon to provide the necessary accommodation for the children?
§ Mr. TREVELYANMy right hon. Friend is fully aware of the defects of this school. The Board have informed the local education authority and the managers that before coming to a final decision with regard to the continued recognition of the school they will be prepared to consider any suggestions which the authority or the managers may desire to offer.
§ 39. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the girls of the Christchurch school, Albany Street, St. Pancras, have no playground and that the recreation interval is spent in the street; and whether these conditions will be allowed to continue?
§ Mr. TREVELYANMy right hon. Friend is aware of the facts. The Board are in communication with the local education authority and the managers, with a view to remedying the existing conditions.
§ 40. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the St. Jude's school, South-wark, has no open-air playground, the only playground being situated beneath the church, where brick and iron pillars hinder free movement and in which there is no space for physical exercises; and that this playground is ill-ventilated and has been condemned; and whether it is his intention to close the school and require the local education authority to build for the 400 children displaced?
§ Mr. TREVELYANThe facts are known to the Board. Before coming to a final decision with regard to the continued recognition of the school they have informed the local education authority 880 and the managers that they will be prepared to consider any suggestions which the authority or the managers desire to offer.
§ Mr. KINGWill all these schools obtain the largely increased Grants whether they come up to the requirements or not?
§ Mr. TREVELYANWhen the Grants are given the matter will be considered.