HC Deb 05 July 1951 vol 489 cc2473-4
16. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Education if, in view of the fact that the premises of Halstead Place and Kevington, St. Mary Cray, both in Kent, are deteriorating he will state what use is to be made of these premises by his Department.

Mr. Hardman

Kevington House has already been taken into use as a primary school. I am at present considering with the local education authority the possibility of including in the building programme for 1952–53 the work of adapting Halstead Place as a boarding special school for educationally sub-normal boys.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that since the Government took over these beautiful buildings they are rapidly deteriorating, causing loss to the taxpayer and sorrow and indignation to all the inhabitants of the district? It is an absolute disgrace.

Mr. Hardman

My information is that Kevington House has been put in full repair and is a very adequate building for a primary school. Halstead Place is to be adapted, and when the adaptation is complete perhaps the building itself will have been enhanced.

Sir W. Smithers

It is falling to pieces.

Mr. John Rodgers

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the adaptation of Halstead Place will be effected?

Mr. Hardman

I cannot give that information at present.