HC Deb 05 February 1929 vol 224 cc1568-9
24. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he received the new building programme for schools by the Glasgow Education Authority last year and the date of reply by the Education Department sanctioning the scheme; whether he is aware that the long delay has considerably affected the efficiency of education in Glasgow and entailed considerable loss to the authority; and the reason for the delay and what steps he intends to take to compensate the authority for the additional expense entailed by the delay?

Sir J GILMOUR

The hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension. I am not aware that there has been any delay in dealing with the plans for school buildings which have been submitted to the Department by the Glasgow Education Authority during 1928. The only statement in the nature of a general building scheme that was received in that year reached the Department on 4th September. No question of sanction was involved, but a reply was sent on the same day. The answer to the second part of the question is, therefore, in the negative, and the third part would not, in any case, arise.

Mr. STEPHEN

Did the right hon. Gentleman's Department not receive a programme of building in February of last year and reply to it in the following June?

Sir J. GlLMOUR

If the hon. Member refers to the scheme of building in February, 1927, it is true that a final answer was not given for some time, but during all that period constant negotiations were taking place between the Department and the authorities.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the overcrowding in Glasgow schools, and particularly in some of the schools recently transferred; and will he take steps to see that proper buildings are provided for the children when there are so many builders out of work?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I would refer the hon. Member to a number of questions which have already been answered on this subject. Great expedition is being made, and very shortly there will be no overcrowding at any time.

Mr. STEPHEN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the fact of a programme being sent on in February, and only sanctioned in June, shows that an unnecessarily long time is taken by his Department; and will he in future see that the negotiations are carried through more expeditiously?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I cannot admit in any way that any buildings were held up during that period.

25. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that some classes from Mount Florida School, Glasgow, are meeting in the hall of Mount Florida United Free Church; that this hall is below the ground level and that artificial light is necessary all day; when new accommodation will be provided by the Glasgow education authority; and whether more suitable temporary premises could be procured in the meantime?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. One of the four rooms involved is in the basement and in the present weather conditions artificial lighting is necessary. The accommodation is the best available in the district and the arrangement is purely a temporary expedient. Plans for a temporary school to relieve the situation are ready and will, it is anticipated, be received in the Department in a few days.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the cases which was delayed because of the long time taken by his Department to deal with the building programme?

Sir J. GILMOUR

No, Sir.

Mr. STEPHEN

Well, it is.