HC Deb 18 July 1935 vol 304 c1200
20. Mr. GLOSSOP

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Thorpe Hesley School, near Rotherham, which was built in 1929 and provides accommodation for 510 children, has now only 320 children attending, due to slum clearance by the Rotherham Corporation; and what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, to ensure that new houses will be built at Thorpe Hesley so that the status of the school may be maintained?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

I am aware that the number of children attending the Thorpe Hesley Council School has steadily fallen since the opening of the school in 1929. Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, could accept the suggestion that a particular district should be chosen for new municipal housing developments merely in order that the status of a school may be maintained.

Mr. MARTIN

Have the Government any clear-cut policy in the matter or will they deal with each case as it arises?

Mr. PIKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the extra expense to which poor households are put by the changing of housing accommodation?