22. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the President of the Board of Education what number of new schools were erected under the sanction of his Department for the years 1925 to 1927, inclusive, and the approximate total cost of them?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)The number of new schools and institutions which, according to the information available at the Board, were completed during the three calendar years in question were 75, 98, and 137, and the approximate cost, including that of the sites, was £845,089, £1,780,708, and £2,842,972 in the three years, respectively. In addition, there were completed during this period 51 schools, the cost of which was met by voluntary funds and cannot be stated.
§ Lord E. PERCYI must have notice of that question.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs this in addition to the large extensions that have been carried out in many schools?
§ Lord E. PERCYI think so, but I should like to have notice of that question.
23. Mr. ADAMSONasked the President of the Board of Education the total number of schools now listed by his Department as unsatisfactory for educational purposes; and the number for which plans have been approved for remodelling or rebuilding?
§ Lord E. PERCYThe number of schools in the category referred to by the hon. Member has now been reduced from 679 (the number listed in 1925) to 544. Plans 2084 for dealing with 117 of these have been already approved, and in a number of other cases plans have been received and are under consideration.
Mr. ADAMSONWill the noble Lord try to facilitate the modernising of those schools where it is now overdue?
§ Lord E. PERCYI think that I am giving all the assistance and employing all the pressure in my power.
Commander WILLIAMSDoes the advancement made during the last three years show a greater progress as compared with the previous three years?
§ Lord E. PERCYYes, certainly.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDIs the President satisfied with the progress?