HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1174-5
5. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the grave discontent expressed by parents and responsible authorities in Scotland at the closing of elementary schools; and whether he will order the reopening of schools forthwith?

Mr. Colville

I am informed that all primary schools and departments in the reception areas in Scotland are now open, and that the majority of these schools in neutral areas have also been re-opened, although some remain closed pending the completion of the necessary measures of air-raid protection. Permission for the re-opening for all purposes of primary schools and departments in evacuation areas, has not been given, although the re-opening of these schools for purposes of registration, and medical inspection and treatment, has been permitted subject to the numbers on the premises at any one time being kept as low as possible. At schools re-opened for medical purposes meals may be provided to necessitous children. I am aware of the difficulties resulting from the closure of these schools. The question of their limited reopening for lessons, subject to proper safeguards, is at present under consideration.

Mr. McGovern

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a considerable number of cases, boys particularly are coming before the juvenile courts and that there is a large increase in the number of such cases, because there are no schools open during the day for these boys, and that this is a very difficult problem for the parents? Further, is he aware that the Setback in their education is very serious, and will he not consider having the schools opened at the earliest possible moment and clearing those schools which are used for other purposes?

Mr. Colville

I assure the hon. Member that I am aware of the difficulties, but with reference to the question he has just asked, I would point out that the importance of maintaining the evacuation scheme is also very great, and that if all the schools in the sending areas were fully opened, it might tend to draw the children back.

Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the consideration which he is giving to the matter, and which he has promised for some time, is likely to lead to his being able to give us a definite answer soon?

Mr. Colville

Very soon, but I cannot give any date. A later answer will explain what is being done already with regard to secondary schools.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the city of Glasgow tens of thousands of children have not attended school for the past two months, and will he do something to give them an opportunity of doing so?

Mr. Colville

If the hon. Gentleman will listen to a later answer, he will hear what is being done.

Mr. Maxton

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that there are schools on the outskirts of Glasgow practically alongside schools in the county areas of Dumbarton and Renfrewshire, the one lot open and the other closed? Can he not do something in this matter?

Mr. Colville

Perhaps a later answer which I shall give will deal with that matter.

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