§ 28. Mr. Mackasked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to provide additional higher school accommodation for girls in the Newcastle-under-Lyme area; and whether approval will be given for the use of Clayton Hall, pending the erection of a modern school to meet the educational requirements of the district.
§ Miss WilkinsonI look forward to receiving the development plan for the Newcastle-under-Lyme area which should indicate the full requirements of the area both for additional secondary and primary school facilities. I understand that the local education authority regard a new grammar school for girls as the project deserving first priority in the plan. if the Admiralty are able to release Clayton Hall in reasonable time and the authority can get a lease on reasonable terms, I should be ready to entertain a proposal, in advance of the development plan, for minimum adaptations to the buildings, so that they may be used temporarily, as a grammar school for girls, until permanent provision can be made in conformity with the building regulations.
§ Mr. MackWill the Minister not appreciate, having been a girl herself, the overwhelming need in Newcastle-under-Lyme for girls' education, and will she undertake to hasten her Department in providing the appropriate building?
§ Miss WilkinsonWe are very anxious that there should be an appropriate building. This hall could only serve as a temporary building, and we are waiting until we get it released from the Admiralty.