§ 44. Mr. Edeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education on what date the Board sanctioned the construction of air-raid shelters by the West Sussex County Council for the secondary schools at Worthing; and, since by this action the Board have indicated the advisability of providing shelter in Worthing for school children, whether he will ensure that the Worthing Town Council make similar and adequate provision for the elementary schools of the borough?
Mr. LindsaySanction to the expenditure proposed by the West Sussex Local Education Authority on the provision of air-raid shelters for the secondary schools in Worthing was given by His Majesty's Inspector on 15th September, 1939. As the hon. Member was informed on 1st February, the responsibility for deciding whether air-raid shelters should be provided for the elementary schools of the borough, which is a reception area, rests with the Worthing Local Education Authority in consultation with the local A.R.P. authority. I admit that the position is anomalous. The attention of the Worthing Local Education Authority is being drawn to the fact.
§ Mr. EdeWill the hon. Gentleman press on the local authority that elementary schools are to be treated no differently from other schools?
54. Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will clarify the position with regard to the responsibility of the local education authorities and of the Board of Education for children on school premises during an air-raid; and whether any material difference is made by local education authorities informing parents that they may send their children to school at their own risk?
Mr. LindsayThe responsibility for determining what air-raid precautions should be taken as best suited to the circumstances of a particular school is one for the local education authority in consultation with the local air-raid precautions authority. This responsibility is not removed by giving the parent the option of sending his child to school or not. If, however, the hon. Member has in mind the question of compensation for injuries sustained by a child while attending school during an air raid the matter is one for the Minister of Pensions under the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1939.
Mr. AdamsDoes the Minister not consider that, as the Government are waging this war, they ought to accept full responsibility in cases like this, rather than place the burden on private individuals?