§ 39. Mr. TREVELYANasked the President of the Board of Education how soon he intends to take definite steps to require local authorities to replace the 665 schools which have been placed in Category A as unsuitable for continued recognition and incapable of improvement?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe rate at which these schools can be replaced must depend upon the particular circumstances of the individual areas concerned, and it is of the greatest importance that replacement should be provided for in connection with a considered scheme of reorganisation. Proposals for the replacement of a number of these schools are already included in the revised forecasts and I am satisfied that authorities and school managers generally realise the importance of dealing with as large a proportion as possible of the remainder in their programmes. It must be remembered that this problem is affected in many areas by movements of population consequent upon housing developments.
§ Mr. TREVELYANIs the Noble Lord going eventually to prepare for the entire replacement of these schools? Is he aware that statements are being made that some authorities do not intend to replace them; and will he take steps to force them to do so?
§ Lord E. PERCYI have heard no statements of that kind. As to what action I shall take in a certain eventuality, I think I had better wait till the eventuality arises.
§ Mr. COVEIf the local authorities are prepared to give an undertaking in regard to these schools will they still have a statutory guarantee of a contribution towards the necessary expense?
§ Lord E. PERCYThose authorities which submit proposals for capital expenditure of which I approve will have the grant according to the regulations in force at the time.
§ 41. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the President of the Board of Education how many children are now being taught in schools which have been placed in Category A as having premises which are unsuitable for continued recognition, and incapable of improvement?
§ Lord E. PERCYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on 25th February last to the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Mr. P. Harris), a copy of which I am sending him.