HC Deb 01 November 1945 vol 415 cc607-8
33 Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Education in view of the shortage of accommodation for the training of teachers, whether she will take steps to acquire the temporary use of The Mansion, Gunnersbury Park, W.3, for the purpose of a day training college for teachers.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education (Mr. Hardman)

Arrangements were made with the joint committee of local authorities which ad- ministers this property to enable it to be used as an emergency training college. Alterations were about to be undertaken when the Committee was threatened with legal proceedings by an association of adjacent property owners. This association were relying on a restrictive covenant which had been given in favour of their property, laying it down that The Mansion would not be used except for such public purposes as might be ancillary to the use of the park as a public park or sports ground. The property owners have refused to withdraw their objection and have stated that if the proposal to lease Gunnersbury Park is not dropped they propose to apply to the court for an injunction. The matter is under consideration.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Is my hon. Friend aware that his appointment is one which will give great satisfaction throughout the educational world, and that I do not propose to ask him any supplementary questions?

36 Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that 200 women students have been ordered to report at the new Government training college in Hampton, Middlesex, without any arrangements being made for their living accommodation in this overcrowded area; and what action she proposes to take.

Mr. Hardman

The emergency training college at Hampton is a day college primarily for students who can attend while living at home. A limited amount of hostel accommodation is also available. Offers of places have been issued, first to candidates living within daily travelling distance of the college, secondly to persons to whom hostel accommodation was available, and thirdly to women who stated that they could find accommodation for themselves, sometimes with friends or relations, near the college. It appears from information that the hon. Member has sent my right hon. Friend that some of the latter category are having difficulties in finding the accommodation which they hoped to get. If necessary, they will be offered places in other colleges that will be opening in the new year.