HC Deb 07 December 1933 vol 283 c1809
23. Mr. ISAAC FOOT

asked 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. FOOT

In 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. RAMSBOTHAM

As the authorities have their own lists, it is hardly necessary to publish it as a White Paper.

Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLE

Is it not a fact that the number of such schools is continually diminishing?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

That is the fact.