HC Deb 10 November 1932 vol 270 cc490-1
24. Sir W. JENKINS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what was the number of blacklisted schools demolished in 1930, 1931, and up to 30th September, 1932, and the expenditure incurred upon rebuilding such schools, giving particulars for elementary and secondary separately, and the figures for England and Wales separately?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The following numbers of public elementary schools previously on the Board's "black list" have been closed or replaced:

During the year ended 30th September, 1930–61 in England and 5 in Wales.

During the year ended 30th September, 1931–42 in England and 5 in Wales.

During the year ended 30th September, 1932–52 in England and 3 in Wales.

The Board have not compiled any "black list" of secondary schools. As regards the second part of the question, I am afraid that it is not possible to analyse the total expenditure incurred on new schools so as to show how much is directly referable to the replacement of unsatisfactory buildings, as schools which serve this purpose frequently serve at the same time to meet other needs such as increases in population or the improvement of educational facilities.

23. Sir W. JENKINS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what was the number of elementary schools condemned through insanitary and other conditions and placed on the black list on 30th December, 1930, 30th December, 1931, and the number on 30th September, 1932, or the latest available date; and will he state the number of secondary schools for the same dates and give separate figures for England and Wales?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The total numbers of public elementary schools included on the Board's "black list" were as follow:

England. Wales.
30th September, 1930 … 1,531 184
30th September, 1931 … 1,381 169
30th September, 1932 … 1,264 158
No schools were added to the list during these years. The Board have not compiled any "black list" of secondary schools.

Mr. HICKS

Does the hon. Gentleman not consider it advisable, in view of the grave state of unemployment in the building trade, to make sanitary these insanitary schools?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

Progress is being made with the rebuilding of schools so far as financial circumstances permit.