HC Deb 30 July 1942 vol 382 cc667-8
18. Mr. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Health how many places are now vacant in camp schools?

Mr. E. Brown

At 30th June, 1942, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 1,488 vacant places in the camp schools.

Mr. Lindsay

Is it not rather extraordinary that in summer months there should be nearly 1,500 vacant places in these camps, which are now no longer places of evacuation but most important experiments in boarding-school education? Could the right hon. Gentleman give some explanation?

Mr. Brown

I have answered the Question on the Paper. I do not think we ought to debate that now.

Mr. Lindsay

It is 18 months since I asked whether this matter could be transferred to the Board of Education, which is really responsible. Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when that will be done?

Mr. Brown

Not in answer to this Question.

Mr. R. Morgan

What is the exact number of camp schools in active operation at the present time? Is it the intention of the Department to increase the number?

Mr. Brown

The number was settled by arrangement with the Camps Corporation before the war, and remains the same.

Mr. McEntee

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage of all places this 1,500 represents?

Mr. Brown

Not without notice. The House will understand that a number of these camps are in the hands of particular units, secondary schools, and it may be in some cases that there are vacancies owing to the disinclination on the part of local authorities to mix units. That is only one aspect of the matter. I can assure hon. Gentlemen that local education authorities concerned are doing their best to fill the vacancies.