§ 36. Mr. A. C. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the additional accommodation necessary for the increased school population will be available in 1953.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe necessary additional accommodation is being provided by education authorities under their current programmes for which I am giving first priority. If any education authority, to meet any emergency, proposes to put up more buildings not requiring steel I should be able to approve.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the Secretary of State aware that many parents and teachers are becoming increasingly anxious because of the present standstill order and the cessation of building and sincerely believe that the intake next year cannot be accommodated and that infants' classes will be starting at a higher age group than they would if the age of five were recognised?
§ Mr. StuartI think I can assure the hon. Member that for the 1953 intake there will be no reduction in the number of school places, because the authorities have plenty of work in hand at present.