HC Deb 18 November 1948 vol 458 cc525-6
1. Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions in primary schools in Gloucestershire; and what action is being taken for their systematic repair and alteration.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Tomlinson)

I am informed that the local education authority have drawn up a comprehensive programme of work of repairs and improvements to schools.

Mr. Parkin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the county have carried out a survey which is probably the first of its kind to be carried out with such thoroughness, and will he give every encouragement and support to measures to overcome these appalling conditions in rural schools?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, I have already asked the authorities to get on as fast as possible with the supplies of labour and materials that are available, and I am expecting that we shall achieve improvement—minor improvement, at any rate—in existing schools.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Is the Minister aware that the authority in question has taken very forward steps to provide secondary education? Is he satisfied that sufficient priority is being given to primary schools?

Mr. Tomlinson

My attention has only just been called to this new survey which has been made of primary schools. It brings them into line with what is being done in the secondary schools.

Mr. Lipson

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that his Department will give all the facilities it can to enable an authority to get the requisite labour and materials?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, within the limits that are laid down for the Department.