HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc942-3
38 and 39. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Parliamenetary Secretary to the Board of Education (1) how many children evacuated to the reception areas are now attending school half time, and how many full time;

(2) how many of the local children in the reception areas are now attending school half time, and how many full time?

Mr. Lindsay

Local education authorities of reception areas have been asked to furnish returns by the end of this week which will enable me to give the information desired.

Sir A. Knox

As the non-existence of whole-time education in reception areas is due to the lack of accommodation would it not be possible, now that many children have returned to London, to amalgamate schools? Has this policy been considered?

Mr. Lindsay

In a great many districts local and evacuated children have been amalgamated to great advantage.

Sir A. Knox

Why has it not generally been done?

Mr. Lindsay

Because some latitude is still left to local education authorities.

Mr. Naylor

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that London school children in the East. South and West of England are now talking in the dialect of their adopted counties and does he propose to take any steps to deal with the situation when the children come back talking these different languages?