§ 42. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, what standard of washing accommodation is required in public elementry schools; and whether such standard requires the provision of hot water, soap, and a clean towel for each child making use of such accommodation?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)In the case of new schools the Board's suggestions for the planning of elementary school buildings, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, recommend that a minimum of 12 lavatory basins should be provided for the first 100 pupils, and an extra four basins for each additional 100. It is also recommended that provision should be made for a plentiful supply of hot water throughout the school year, with an adequate quantity of soap and towels for the number of children in attendance at the school. These standards, of course, are not applicable in the case of existing schools; and the Board realise that in a large number of schools the existing provision is seriously deficient. The remedying of the deficiencies is often a most difficult matter, but the Board are continually impressing upon local education authorities and managers the necessity of improving conditions wherever possible.