§ 34. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, at the present time in the provided elementary schools under the London education authority, there are sixty-two school halls, fifty art rooms, and twenty-five rooms intended for teaching science, chemistry, physics, or other special subjects, which are being used as temporary accommodation for ordinary classes; whether this wholesale diversion of specially designed and equipped rooms to ordinary teaching work has been sanctioned by the Board; and, if so, what arrangements are being made that art, science, and other subjects requiring special rooms and appliances will continue to be taught?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Dr. Addison)The Board's records do not exactly agree with the figures given in the question, but, generally speaking, the facts are as stated. The use of the rooms in question for ordinary classes has been approved by the Board after consideration of the circumstances of each case and in order that full advantage may be taken of all existing accommodation. This use of the rooms has not, so far as the Board are aware, involved any diminution of instruction in the subjects of drawing and science.
§ Mr. KINGOught it not to be the policy at the present time to increase rather than to diminish the facilities for higher education in view of the—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise.