§ 41. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Education why the Cooperfield School Camp, Itchingfield, Sussex, is to be closed; whether this can be reconsidered; and, if necessary, whether the school could be made available for children from any educational authority in order to avoid its closure.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThis is one of four camps which the Essex authority have been leasing from the National Camps Corporation. I understand that the authority have taken this decision because the demand to attend the camp has not been sufficient to justify the expense, particularly in the winter months. I am anxious that the valuable facilities which all the National Camps afford should be used to the full, particularly by those children most in need of an open-air life in the country, and I hope that as a result of approaches now being made to certain local education authorities by the National Camps Corporation, with my support, this and other camps will continue in use, possibly by two or more authorities in conjunction.
§ Mr. SorensenIs my right hon. Friend aware that that reply will give great satisfaction to many of those concerned? Does it mean that this camp will be available for children from the Essex area if the authority find some to send there?
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, Sir.