HC Deb 22 January 1942 vol 377 cc403-4
26. Mr. Lipson

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps he has taken to alleviate excessive overcrowding in secondary schools, due to the reception of children from evacuated areas?

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

My hon. Friend will realise that a certain amount of overcrowding is inevitable when an evacuated secondary school shares accommodation with a school in a reception area, but steps have been taken, wherever necessary, to provide relief by hiring halls or supplying huts. After making full inquiries, I am not aware of any case in which the overcrowding is such as to endanger either the efficient education or the health of the children concerned. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will bring it to my notice, I will investigate the circumstances.

Mr. Lipson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that before Christmas I drew his attention to a case at Cheltenham in which there is excessive overcrowding and danger to public health, and that within a mile of this school there are two public schools which, between them, have vacancies for 400 pupils?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, I investigated that matter, and while there is a certain amount of overcrowding at Cheltenham Grammar School because of the addition of 30 pupils from Bristol, to relieve this pressure two junior forms removed to a house near by.

Mr. Lipson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these 30 pupils are a great addition to the previous pupils and that the school now has 500 boys with sanitary accommodation for only some 300?

Mr. Butler

I am aware that these 30 pupils are extra. That is why I mentioned it. If my hon. Friend has any further suggestions to make to relieve the pressure on the accommodation, I will certainly consider them.

Mr. Thorne

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to print in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of secondary schools overcrowded, so that Members can find out where they are?

Mr. Butler

If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, I will look into it.

Mr. Thorne

I have not.