HC Deb 16 October 1952 vol 505 cc378-9
35. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education how many children over the age of five years in England and Wales and Warwickshire, respectively, were unable to find places in the nation's schools in September, 1952.

Miss Horsbrugh

The available evidence suggests that the number over the country as a whole is not large. In Warwickshire, I am informed that there are two districts where a very small number of children aged five have not been admitted this term.

Mr. Johnson

Is the right hon. Lady aware that she has achieved this result only by packing children into institutes, outbuildings, canteens and other school buildings of all kinds? Does she not agree with me that the appropriate remedy would be to start serious school building once more?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think the hon. Gentleman will realise that any school building that I had started since I came into office would have no effect upon the fact that these children are out of school today, and that it takes at least 18 months to build a school. Thanks to the new organisation of our building programme we are getting, and shall get, schools more quickly, and so provide earlier the places that are required.