§ 62 and 64. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Education (1) 2114 if he is aware that there is a definite halt in the building programme of the West Riding (Yorks) Education Committee as a result of the issue of Memorandum 44; that already there are many children for whom no accommodation has been provided in the new Doncaster coalfield; and will he state what steps he proposes to take to provide for these children;
(2) if his attention has been drawn to the statement made by Sir Percy Jackson, Chairman of the West Riding (Yorks) Education Committee, that the effect of Memorandum 44 will be to delay the erection of elementary schools in colliery villages by 18 months or more; and does he intend to relax this Memorandum and avoid these undesirable consequences?
Duchess of ATHOLLMy right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the statement of the Chairman of the West Riding Committee. The hon. Member appears to have overlooked the exception mentioned in paragraph 5 of Administrative Memorandum 44. which is specially designed to meet such cases as those to which he refers, and, so far as such cases are concerned, my right hon. Friend is not aware that there has been any suspension of the West Riding authority's building programme.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the Noble Lady not aware that the person referred to in the second question is the. Chairman of the West Riding Committee, and should he not know whether or not schemes are bound to be held up as a result of the Memorandum?
Duchess of ATHOLLMy right hon. Friend is perhaps even better informed than the Gentleman referred to as to the meaning of the Memorandum.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSPerhaps I am better acquainted than even the Noble Lord with the particulars of the neighbourhood referred to in the North Riding—that particular neighbourhood, and I wish to know whether the withdrawal of hundreds of children is not owing to no school accommodation having been provided for them?
Duchess of ATHOLLMy Noble Friend made it quite clear from the very beginning of this discussion on his policy that we recognise the need of the new housing areas to be provided for.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONThey are not getting the schools.
§ 63. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the proposal of the West Riding of Yorkshire Education Committee to erect a technical school in a large mining area in South Yorkshire has been stopped as a result of the issue of Memorandum 44; and, if so, is he willing to reconsider his decision and allow this school to be erected?
Duchess of ATHOLLIf the hon. Member will kindly let my right hon. Friend know what particular technical school he has in mind, he will see what the position is as regards its erection.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the Noble Lady not aware that the Noble Lord was aware of this project of the school, and that because of Memorandum 44 the thing has had to be dropped?