HC Deb 03 November 1932 vol 269 cc1957-8
21. Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what amount of money has been spent in the last three years on the completion and building of new schools; and how many children these schools are estimated to accommodate?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

During the three years ended 30th September, 1932, local education authorities completed new elementary school buildings for, approximately, 189,000 children, at a cost of about £6,950,000, and new secondary school buildings for about 32,000 children, at a cost of about £3,400,000. In addition, new buildings for technical and similar schools were completed at a cost of about £834,000.

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

May I ask why the Board of Education should think it necessary to spend something like £9,000,000 on new schools when, according to their own estimate, the school-going population is likely to be considerably reduced by the time that these schools can be occupied?

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Is it not the fact that some of these new school buildings are for the purpose of replacing old school buildings which are being demolished?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The provision of these schools was entirely approved by the Government which preceded the present National Government. Most of the need for new buildings, at any rate to-day, arises out of the requirements of new housing areas and the shifting of population.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that some of these schools were built by the last Government without authorisation by the House of Commons, in anticipation of the passing of the Education (School Attendance) Bill?

Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is the fact that these schools were sanctioned erroneously, badly, and without judgment, by the last Government, any reason why we should approve of the expenditure of money which is clearly unwarranted?

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Was not most of this expenditure undertaken as a consequence of the recommendations of the Hadow Report?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that the money was to be spent because there are cases where the teacher has as many as 80 children in the class, and that it was with a view to spreading that over that new schools were required?