§ 56. Mr. Dayasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state, separately, the number of schools still in category A or B in the black list in England and Wales; and particulars of the numbers he proposes to entirely rebuild or remedy the defects of during the current year?
Mr. LindsayThe numbers of schools now in categories A and B of the Board's list of public elementary schools with defective premises are 143 and 628 respectively. Plans for the reconstruction, improvement or replacement of 29 schools in category A and 72 in category B have been approved by the Board, but I am unable to say how many of these schools will be removed from the list during the year.
§ Mr. DayIn view of the large number that have not yet been approved by the Board, will the Board try to facilitate matters?
Mr. LindsayMy Noble Friend is anxious that these schools should be dealt with as rapidly as possible. I should like the hon. Member to get the figures in perspective; they are less than 2.5 per cent. of the total number in the country.
§ Mr. EdeWill the hon. Gentleman consider putting a time-limit within which all these schools must be brought up to standard?