HC Deb 15 May 1941 vol 371 cc1249-50
29. Mr. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Education, how many children are at present accommodated in camp schools; and how many empty places now exist?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The total number of children accommodated in national camp schools in England and Wales on 31st March, 1941, was 6,474. The number of vacant places on that date was 710.

Mr. Lindsay

In view of the interest in this question, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the recent reduction of some 1,500 children in these camps, owing, I think, to a new decision made jointly by the Ministry of Health and the Board of Education, is in the best interests of this very interesting experiment?

Mr. Ramsbotham

There is an ebb and flow to these camps, but the number has increased in recent months, and every effort is being made to use them to their utmost capacity.