§ 13 and 14. Mr. Nigel Daviesasked the Minister of Education (1) what estimate he has received from the Harlow Development Corporation of the number which the school population is expected to reach in the next five years;
(2) what steps are being taken to provide for the additional school population of the new town at Harlow; and what form does he envisage the improvisation in school organisation will take referred to in a letter from his Department to the hon. Member for Epping, dated 9th June.
§ Mr. HardmanAccording to statistics provided by the Harlow Development 2473 Corporation the number of children from 5 to 15 years of age is expected to rise from 275 in December, 1951, to about 2,000 in December, 1954. A new temporary primary school for 200 children has already been opened, a permanent primary school for 560 children is under construction and a secondary school for 960 is to be started in this year's building programme. The building programme for 1952–53 has not yet been settled, but the needs of Harlow will be taken into account. Improvisation would take the form of using for junior pupils accommodation intended for seniors and vice versaas immediate needs required.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that the improvisation will in no way take the form of increasing the size of classes to a point where education becomes ineffective, and will he say why, if he now has these figures, I received a letter from his secretary, dated 9th June, implying that the Ministry did not know how many children were involved?
§ Mr. HardmanWe know now. As regards the size of classes, naturally my right hon. Friend and myself are determined to do all we can to prevent any increase in their size.
§ Mr. DaviesWas it not now rather late to find out how many children there are, if these figures were available before?
§ Mr. HardmanNo. Sir.