§ 55. Mr. Manderasked the President of the Board of Education what reply he has sent, and what action he has taken, in respect to the protest forwarded to him from a meeting of 700 parents in Wolverhampton, on 2nd January, protesting against the refusal to alter the school time for children from 9 to 9.30; whether he Is aware that the temperature at one school at 9 a.m. on the opening day of this term varied from 32 degrees to 39 degrees; and that the action taken is contrary to the advice given in a recent circular from the Board?
§ The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Ramsbotham)As I explained 300 in my recent letter to the hon. Member, the decision as to the time of opening of public elementary schools rests with the local education authorities, and a reply to that effect has been sent. Many local factors have to be taken into account and in Circular 1535 I emphasised the importance of allowing local variations. As regards the temperature of the classroom, I understand that attempts are being made to overcome the difficulties created by the blackout—which in any case will become less as the hours of daylight become longer.
§ Mr. ManderWhile appreciating what my right hon. Friend has said, in view of the very strong feeling in Wolverhampton on this subject will he be good enough to use his persuasive powers with the local authority to see whether some compromise satisfactory to local feeling can be arrived at?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThat is a matter for decision locally.
§ Mr. ManderDoes that mean that my right hon. Friend will get into touch with the local authority and see what he can do?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI want to leave the local authority some discretion. I shall do more harm than good if I insist on prescribing details like this.
§ Mr. ManderMay I press my right hon. Friend to say whether he intends to do what he can? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.