HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 cc1530-1
41. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education when she will be able to begin the reorganisation of all-age schools.

Miss Horsbrugh

As a result of the provision of new secondary schools in successive building programmes the gradual reorganisation of all-age schools will continue. I cannot foresee when it will be possible to authorise building projects designed for this purpose alone.

Mr. Johnson

Is the right hon. Lady not aware that about a million children between the ages of five and 15 are in these all-age schools, and that in Warwickshire and many other counties the position is a mockery? Can she give an assurance that she will begin building secondary modern schools in local areas in these counties?

Miss Horsbrugh

I know of the difficulty. It is a result of the policy of both Governments to build new schools and not to reorganise; but I assure the hon. Gentleman that the situation is improving. On 1st January, 1953, in the all-age schools there was 14.3 per cent. of the school population aged 13. Last year the figure was 15.8 per cent. and in January, 1951, it was 16.19 per cent., so there is an improvement.