§ 11. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the President of the Board of Education whether, when the question of building new schools arises, he will consult with other Departments with a view to the utilisation of classrooms and assembly halls for local functions and meetings.
§ The President of the Board of Education (Mr. Butler)School buildings and especially school halls are already extensively used out of school hours for a wide range of social purposes, and the Board hope that, so far as this can be done without detriment to the work carried on in the daytime, this use will be extended further. The matter is one for consideration by the local education authority or other body controlling the school.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhen new schools are to be built, will the right hon. Gentleman see that this golden opportunity is not allowed to slip, especially in country villages, of giving the best accommodation that can be provided for meetings in the evening?
§ Mr. ButlerThat matter has already been referred to in a volume called "Suggestions for the planning of elementary school buildings." I undertake to bear it in mind when we are drafting our Regulations under the new Bill.