§ 8. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Education in view of the statutory obligation to provide county colleges within three years of the raising of the school-leaving age, how many county colleges will be available on 1st April, 1950.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe Order in Council under Section 43 of the Education Act, 1944, which makes it the duty of local 1492 education authorities to establish and maintain county colleges, was made on the 10th March, 1947. Most authorities have already sent in their plans, which are being considered and discussed. I do not expect that any separate new buildings for county colleges will have been erected by 1st April, 1950, but a large number of major establishments already have part-time day students and further provision of this kind is contemplated.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister say how many places will be available in the county colleges by next April?
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo. I would point out that it is under the next Section of the Act that the duty of compulsory attendance arises and this comes into operation on a date such as the Minister by Order in Council may direct.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the first priority up to 1950 goes to the primary and secondary schools?
§ Mr. TomlinsonWe have already indicated that.