§ 40. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the over crowding in some of the schools in Bristol, and of the attempts being made by the education committee to remedy the position by building new schools; and why she objected to and turned down three of the schools which they planned in their programme for 1954–55.
§ Miss HorsbrughYes, Sir. I was unable to include these three schools in the authority's programme for 1954–55 because I was not satisfied that they were required to meet the minimum needs described in Circular 245. I am considering a request by the authority for the addition of one of these schools to the programme I have approved.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that the education authority of Bristol is making a serious attempt to deal with a very difficult problem, that at her request they prepared plans for 1954–55 for nine new schools and that the Minister turned down 33 per cent. of that programme? As they regard this as a rebuff from the Minister, will she reconsider the whole of this matter?
§ Miss HorsbrughI am in communication with the authority, particularly concerning one of these schools, and I should like first to discuss that with the authority.