HC Deb 22 November 1926 vol 200 cc32-3
58. Mr. T. HENDERSON (for Mr. EVAN DAVIES)

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the dangerous state of Duffryn School, Cwm, in consequence of the landslide which has recently taken place; whether he is aware that 1,500 children attended this School; and, in view of the reports of the engineer called in by the Ebbw Vale Urban District Council, what steps are contemplated by his Department to provide facilities for continuing the education of these children?

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

I am aware of the damage caused to the premises of this School by the landslide, resulting in the displacement of some 900 children, not 1,500, as stated by the hon. Member. As regards the last part of the question, the matter is, in the first instance, one for the local authority, and I understand that they are considering, in consultation with His Majesty's Inspector, the provision of temporary emergency accommodation.

66. Mr. T. HENDERSON (for Mr. EVAN DAVIES)

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the landslide at Cwm, Ebbw Vale; whether he has read the report of the engineer called in by the Ebbw Vale Urban District Council, in which he clearly indicates the probability of a disaster if immediate steps are not taken to prevent it; and will he state whether he is prepared to send down an expert from his Department to render every possible assistance to check any further move in the mountain?

Sir K. WOOD

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to this matter, and an engineering inspector visited the district last week. Some accounts of the position appear to be exaggerated. The trouble seems to be due, not to any general movement of the mountain, but to a colliery spoil bank. The colliery company have a gang of men at work on temporary remedial measures, and there appears to be no danger to life. The local authority and the colliery company are discussing the best method of dealing with the trouble.