§ 23. Mr. ISAAC FOOTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of provided and non-provided schools the premises of which have been condemned by the Board and placed in division A of the black list as being unsuitable for continued recognition and incapable of improvement; and if the list of such schools can be furnished by a White Paper, or otherwise, showing the date when each school was black-listed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)The numbers of provided and of non-provided schools still included in Class A of the Black List, which was drawn up in 1925 and 1926, are respectively 77 and 138. As every local education authority has been furnished with a list of the schools in its own area, my Noble Friend sees no reason for the publication of a return in the form of a White Paper; but he is sending the hon. Member a list of the schools still included in Class A of the Black List.
§ Mr. FOOTIn view of the fact that the list has not been published for a great many years, and that it would be an excellent expenditure to make the schools adequate for our children, cannot the list be published for the general convenience?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMAs the authorities have their own lists, it is hardly necessary to publish it as a White Paper.
§ Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEIs it not a fact that the number of such schools is continually diminishing?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThat is the fact.