HC Deb 29 May 1952 vol 501 cc1661-2
63. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education what decisions she has now reached in connection with the closure of nursery schools in Somerset.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have asked the authority to give further consideration to their proposal.

Mr. Thomas

Do I understand from the reply of the Minister that she is in entire disagreement with their proposal to close down so many of these nursery schools?

Miss Horsbrugh

It is for the local authority to decide. I feel that we must leave these decisions, which are the responsibility of the local authority, to them. I have asked the local authority to give further consideration to the proposal.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister satisfied that where local authorities are running mad as a result of the circular she sent out, she should stand on one side and see the interests of the children suffer?

Miss Horsbrugh

No, I certainly would not stand aside if I thought the local authorities were running mad. Even if local authorities in all parts of this country are perhaps not doing all we would like, I cannot yet agree with the hon. Gentleman that the) are running. mad.

Mr. Peyton

Would my right hon. Friend make it quite clear to the local authority concerned in this matter that it is highly desirable to remove this uncertainty, and to do so as a matter of prime urgency, because the matter has been an open question for at least two months now?

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, I quite agree. I hope that the local authority, having given it further consideration, will make up their mind.