HC Deb 10 July 1941 vol 373 cc301-2
26. Captain Profumo

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in some instances, owing to the increased number of children of school age in reception areas, the local school accommodation is insufficient to provide full-time education for many children; and whether he will take steps to instruct local authorities to obtain, by. requisitioning if necessary, additional suitable accommodation in order that all children may receive full-time education?

The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Ramsbotham)

I am aware that in some cases the local school accommodation in reception areas is insufficient to provide full-time education for all children in the area. The desire of the Government that all children should receive full-time education, where practicable, has frequently been impressed on local education authorities who have also been advised of the powers available for the requisitioning of premises to provide additional school accommodation for the education of children transferred to the district under the Government evacuation scheme. I have no reason for thinking that any authority is unaware of the Government's policy in the matter of school attendance, but the position in each area is under constant review by my Department.

Sir Percy Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are enough teachers available, and, if not, will he assist local authorities to obtain them from whatever source they are available?

Mr. Ramsbotham

There ought to be, but I will do all I can in this connection.