§ 48. Mr. Edeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what proportion of the elementary school population of England and Wales it is estimated will be taught under reorganised conditions on 1st September, 1939?
Mr. LindsayReorganisation appears to be proceeding at the present time at the rate of about 100,000 school places per annum. If this rate of progress is maintained, as my Noble Friend sees no reason to doubt, the number of additional school places in reorganised schools should, by 1st September, 1939, have increased by 250,000 above the figure on the 31st March, 1937. At that date 69 per cent. of the public elementary school population was in reorganised schools, and the additional 250,000 places should raise the percentage to 78.
§ Mr. EdeIn view of the fact that the school-leaving age is to be raised, will the hon. Gentleman impress on local authorities the desirability of hastening this matter?
Mr. LindsayI would point out to my hon. Friend that the full effect of the raising of the school-leaving age will not be felt until a year after the appointed day.