§ 16. Mr. Timmonsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the nature of the report of Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools on the physical conditions in St. John's School, Uddingston; and what are the prospects of a new school in the near future.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartPhysical conditions at this school are unsatisfactory, but they have been improved during the last few years by minor alterations to the main building and by the addition of five new rooms. The Education Authority intend to provide new buildings, but it may be some time before this can be done, as priority must be given to the provision of schools in new housing areas where no accommodation exists.
§ Mr. TimmonsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is just not a correct report of the conditions prevailing at that school? Is he further aware that in 1939 I happened to be a member of the 228 Lanarkshire Education Sub-Committee who went to see that school; that there was a plan for a new school at that time; that certain improvements were being recommended to carry us through the period of the war, and that up to the moment all that has transpired is an increase of one or two huts to meet the increased school-leaving age?
May I ask him to make further representations to his right hon. Friend to direct the Lanarkshire Education Authority—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—to instruct the Lanarkshire Education Authority to go ahead? There are over 800 pupils in that school and it is the most shocking school in Scotland.
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Member asked me the nature of the report of Her Majesty's Inspector, and I gave him truly and accurately the nature of that report. The circumstances are unsatisfactory and we would like to get a new school built there. Much has been done, but we would like to do a great deal more.