HC Deb 04 March 1926 vol 192 cc1596-8
27. Mr. W. HIRST

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Bradford Education Authority has decided not to proceed with the acquisition of playing fields owing to Memorandum 44; and whether he will reconsider this policy?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)

I am not aware of any such decision on the part of the Bradford Authority, nor have I received any proposals from them for the acquisition of playing fields.

38. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, since in pursuance of Memorandum 44, he has deterred the Norwich education authority from purchasing a new playing field necessary for elementary school children, he will reconsider his attitude in view of the fact that if the purchase is not effected at once it will become impossible, as the land is being sold for building purposes?

Lord E. PERCY

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the playing field near the Wensum View School. He is mistaken in suggesting that I have deterred the authority from securing it. I am, in fact, approving its purchase.

39. Mr. PETHWICK-LAWRENCE

also asked the President whether he is aware that the Tunbridge Wells education authority have interpreted Memorandum 44 as preventing them from proceeding with the provision of playing fields; and whether, in view of the importance of these fields being provided, he will interpret the memorandum otherwise to this authority?

Lord E. PERCY

No, Sir; I have received no communication from the authority on this subject.

53. Mr. ROBERT WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has given approval to the Tynemouth Local Education Authority to purchase additional fields for organised games for school children?

Lord E. PERCY

I have received no proposal from this authority to purchase additional playing fields.

54. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Nottingham local education authority will be allowed to proceed with the provision of a playing field for schoolchildren in the southern part of the city?

Lord E. PERCY

I am still in communication with the authority about the proposal that the City Council should transfer this site to the education committee.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

will the right hon. Gentleman kindly bear in mind the urgent need for playing grounds?