§ 8. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Education whether she is aware that there is a shortage of science apparatus in the schools; and if she will take steps to ensure that the schools have a first claim on apparatus which is being disposed of from Government surplus stocks and so 759 avoid their being informed that there is apparatus available but unobtainable without paying high prices to retailers.
§ Miss WilkinsonI am aware of the shortage of scientific apparatus in the schools. Steps have been taken, in conjunction with the Ministry of Supply, to ensure that when apparatus suitable for use in schools becomes available in sufficient quantity, the claims of the schools receive priority.
§ Mr. GibsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that this scientific apparatus is finding its way not into the schools but into retail shops first, and that the schools have to go to these shops and pay extravagant prices for it?
§ Miss WilkinsonI hope my hon. Friend will give me particulars of anything of the kind because that is not my information. We have worked very closely with the Ministry of Supply in this matter. There has been difficulty, however, in getting from the schools indents and requests for the kind of apparatus they can use.