HC Deb 10 May 1928 vol 217 cc393-4
13. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schools in the London area conduct open-air nurseries for the infants during the whole or a part of the year, and the aggregate number of children in these classes, giving figures for the last five years?

Lord E. PERCY

As the reply consists largely of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not the case that between 30 and 40 per cent. of children in elementary schools are either diseased or delicate, and that only 7 per cent. of those between two years and five years of age who have attended open-air schools are diseased or delicate; and will he not consider the question of providing more open-air schools?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question should be put on the Paper.

Following is the reply:

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to open-air classes held in connection with the infants' departments of elementary schools. The number of such classes in the London area and the approximate number of children attending them during each of the last five years have been:

Year. Number of Classes. Number of Children.
1923 … … 25 … 1,000
1924 … … 28 … 1,120
1925 … … 28 … 1,120
1926 … … 33 … 1,320
1927 … … 42 … 1,680