38. Miss Cazaletasked the President of the Board of Education the number of children under five years of age still remaining in the London area and the London region; and whether any provision for nursery schools or centres is being provided?
§ The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Ramsbotham)Figures for the number of children under five years of age still remaining in London and the London region are not available. Arrangements are in operation for the evacuation of such children with their mothers from the Metropolitan evacuation areas. All London nursery schools were evacuated in September, 1939. No new nursery schools are being opened in London nor are existing nursery school premises being re-opened in that area. Nursery centres are applicable only to reception areas.
Miss CazaletDoes not the Minister think that, where there are good basement shelters in strong buildings, they could be utilised for a few hours in day-time to accommodate children under five?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI think the proper place for these children and their mothers is in the reception areas, where they would be safer. In any case it would be difficult to obtain the staff, because they have been evacuated with the children.
39. Miss Cazaletasked the President of the Board of Education the number of children of school age still in the London area and the London region; and the number receiving full-time and part-time education?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThe estimated number of children of school age now in London is about 84,000. Of these 67,000 are enrolled for full-time education and 2,500 for half-time education. Similar figures are not available for the London region, which does not correspond with local education authority areas, but I shall be happy to furnish my hon. Friend with figures for areas adjacent to London as on 6th December last, the latest date for which returns are available, if she will send me the names of the areas which she has in mind.
§ Mr. RamsbothamThat is a matter for the County Council. I have not the details.
40. Miss Cazaletasked the President of the Board of Education the number of children of school age still remaining in Islington and Finsbury; and the number receiving full-time and part-time education?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThe estimated number of children of school age now in Islington and Finsbury is about 8,200. Of these, 7,500 are enrolled at the schools, all full-time.