§ 69. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the President of the Board of Education if he can now make any statement as to the result of his inquiries into the circumstances attending the fatalities to school children in the recent air-raid, as to the experiences of the teachers, and as to the measures taken to secure first aid?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)I have visited the school and have seen the teachers concerned. I am informed that the casualties on each floor of the building were as follows:
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Second floor, girls' department— 1 killed 3 injured. I am glad to say that in the majority of cases the injuries were only slight.
First floor, boys' department— 1 killed 15 injured. Ground floor, infants' department— 16 killed 27 injured. One of the assistant masters in the boys' school promptly sent half-a-dozen scouts to obtain assistance at the police-station and fire-station in accordance with arrangements made in case of an outbreak of fire. In response to this appeal assistance in the shape of police officers, nurses, soldiers and ambulance men was forthcoming within from five to ten minutes of the explosion. In the meantime most valuable help had been given by the right hon. Member for Woolwich and others who happened to be on the spot at the time of the explosion. There is no doubt that the assistance given was both immediate and adequate. Within twenty minutes of the explosion all the injured children, with the possible exception of one girl on the top floor, were carried out, and the bad cases were on their way to the hospital.
The behaviour of the children and the teachers was admirable and there was no panic. The question as to what further precautions should be taken in the schools against air raids is receiving my careful attention, and I am obtaining expert advice in the matter.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that warnings are now given to schools?
§ Mr. FISHERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it proposed to do so?
§ Mr. FISHERIt is under consideration.