HC Deb 22 November 1927 vol 210 cc1589-90
33. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if in the arrangement reached between the Glasgow Education Authority and his Department for the building of new schools, it is intended to build a new school in place of the present Greenside Street School; and, if so, when the proposed building will be proceeded with?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No proposal for the rebuilding of Greenside Street School is included in the programme approved by the Glasgow Education Authority.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that nearly 12 months ago he admitted, in answer to a question in this House, that this school was condemned for educational purposes, and is he going to take any steps to have it replaced by a modern school properly equipped for educational purposes?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have had a recent inspection made of this school. It is true that it is not suitable in every way, but it is not overcrowded and the tuition is efficient; and the authority and the Department must consider those areas where no schooling facilities exist at the present time.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if this school were situated in his Division, it would not be tolerated—that the main-line railway which runs adjacent to this school makes teaching impossible in it, and that, although in a very crowded part of Glasgow, it has practically no playground available; and will he not take steps to bring it up to the same standard as would be demanded in his own Division?

Sir J. GILMOUR

This question has been very carefully considered. The duty of the education authority is to make provision, in the first place, for those areas in which no schooling is available. and while this school is admittedly not what everyone would desire, it is still not so bad as some people describe it.

Mr. MAXTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman no power to say to the education authority that he will withhold their grants if they do not put down in this area a school in which the work of education can be reasonably and decently carried on?

Sir J. GILMOUR

After taking all the circumstances into consideration, I have cone to the conclusion that it is not necessary at the present moment to close this school.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter, if possible, to-night on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.