§ 30 and 31. Mr. Percy Wellsasked the Minister of Education (1), whether he is aware that the present roll of children of primary school age in the county of Kent is 107,467 and that the present total primary school accommodation, including accommodation much below the minimum standard prescribed by the regulations, is only sufficient for 105,720 children; that the estimated primary roll for the summer of 1952 will be 126,970; and what steps are contemplated to make available the 50 new schools urgently required;
(2) if he is aware that the Summer Term returns for 1947 show that in Kent primary schools there were 1,273 classes of 40 children and over, of which 148 consisted of 50 or over; that, unless huts and other classroom accomodation are made available, the Kent Education Committee will be compelled, either to raise the school entry age to six years, or place the children of five and six on part-time education; and what steps he is taking to relieve the situation.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have seen a report of the Kent Education Committee which includes the statements quoted in these Questions. I have since discussed with the authority the planning and execution of their present and future building programmes. I have made a number of suggestions, particularly about the methods of construction, which will, I hope, lead to quicker progress.