HC Deb 22 July 1943 vol 391 c1058
23. Mr. Mack

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps he is taking to remedy the inadequate secondary school facilities in Newcastle-under-Lyme, especially for girls; and what provision he intends making for those girls who have been turned out of their school in Westlands and are now being educated in an overcrowded building which had previously been condemned?

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

I am aware that there is a deficiency of secondary school accommodation for girls in Newcastle-under-Lyme, though the schools in Stoke-on-Trent are available to Newcastle children at the normal fee. The local education authority are fully alive to the position and have plans for meeting the shortage of places by new provision as soon as circumstances permit. Meantime the possibility of hiring relief accommodation for the Orme Girls' School is being considered.

I am calling for a report from His Majesty's Inspector on the accommodation in use by the girls from the West-lands School and I will communicate with the hon. Member when I have considered it.

Mr. Mack

Does the Minister realise that some of these girls have to travel two or three miles to Stoke, where the available accommodation is already overtaxed, and adequate facilities are not afforded them? Will he take note of that in considering the report which will be submitted to him?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.