HC Deb 17 February 1938 vol 331 cc2070-1
68. Mr. Day

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education in how many cases His Majesty's inspectors have reported that elementary schools in receipt of grants are still inefficiently heated in cold weather; and whether, in view of the suffering caused to schoolchildren by the lack of heating provision in severe weather, he will consider the placing of all such schools on the black list or requiring an immediate remedy for the defect?

Mr. Lindsay

I have no tabulated record of cases in which His Majesty's inspectors have reported inadequacy of heating arrangements. When a report of this kind is sent to the Board, the attention of the school authorities is at once called to it, and a request made that immediate steps be taken to remedy the defect.

Mr. Day

Has the Minister any statistics to show how many schools are subject to extraordinary variations of temperature?

Mr. Lindsay

I do not think that that arises out of the question.

Mr. Day

Does the Minister not think that, when children are sent to school without sufficient food, they should not be allowed to sit almost freezing at school?

Mr. Lindsay

I cannot agree with the facts as stated by the hon. Member. This is not a matter which is of widespread incidence.

Mr. Maxton

Has the Minister any inspectors who definitely go around inquiring as to the physical condition of the children, as apart from the ordinary educational attainments?

Mr. Lindsay

The local education authorities and school managers are constantly looking after that.

Mr. Maxton

Yes, but these are the people we are criticising. Are the Government keeping any check on them?

Mr. Lindsay

Yes, there is a constant check. I should like to repeat that there are a great many more important matters than this requiring attention.