§ 29. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Aberdeen is the only city in Scotland where secondary education is carried on on a half-time basis; that there is a general feeling in that city that the old and infirm temporary occupants of the central school could be more suitably housed outside an area which is from time to time visited by enemy bombers; and whether he will consider by what means the present unsatisfactory arrangements, which are having a serious effect upon about 1,500 secondary pupils, can be improved upon?
Mr. JohnstonI am aware that Aberdeen is the only city in Scotland in which a large proportion of the secondary pupils are receiving less than full-time education. Efforts have been made, unfortunately without success, to obtain suitable alternative accommodation within or without the city for the patients at present accommodated in the Central Secondary School. I shall welcome any assistance in securing such suitable alternative accommodation. But as the hon. Member will be aware, schools have been requisitioned for war purposes and so far it has been found impossible to secure their release.
§ Mr Garro JonesCan my right hon. Friend say whose duty it is to look for alternative accommodation and to decide whether such accommodation is suitable or not, because my information is that there is much suitable accommodation which has been unjustifiably rejected?
Mr. JohnstonIf my hon. Friend will give me any evidence of that kind, I shall be greatly obliged to him.