HC Deb 24 July 1951 vol 491 cc192-3
31. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent there is a deficiency of school sites in new housing areas in Glasgow; and in how many cases have the areas approved as sites been smaller than the standards laid down by the Scottish Education Department.

Mr. McNeil

The number of school sites in new housing areas in Glasgow is adequate for the needs of the areas themselves, but sufficient provision has not been made there or elsewhere in the city for special schools and for secondary schools to serve wider areas. Of the 66 sites in the new areas, 17 are smaller than those recommended by the Department.

Mr. Rankin

Is my right hon. Friend aware that under Circular 46 of the Scottish Department of Health of May, 1950, the power to determine these standards was given to local authorities for an experimental period of one year? Can he now say what consideration has been given to the future attitude of his Department on the areas of school premises?

Mr. McNeil

It is a subject about which I am considerably worried. It must vary from area to area, and I ought to say that while general consideration is pending, there are substantial difficulties in Glasgow of which we must take account.

Mr. Rankin

May I ask, further, if my right hon. Friend is considering withdrawing these powers from the local authorities and resuming them himself?

Mr. McNeil

No, I am considering what is the best method I can use to put up the needed number of schools approximately to the standards required.

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