HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 c1529
38. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Education how many comprehensive schools are already in being; and how many are likely to be in use in the next two years.

Miss Horsbrugh

There are eleven comprehensive or similar schools in England and Wales. Of the 14 such schools or instalments of schools which were under construction on 30th April last, I am informed that, given no delay in building, nine will probably be ready for occupation by September, 1955.

Miss Bacon

Is the right hon. Lady aware that the selection of children of 11 years of age for different types of school causes greater dissatisfaction among parents than any other educational problem? What is she doing to speed up the building of schools that will obviate this difficulty?

Miss Horsbrugh

From what I have heard of the opinions of parents what they dislike more is the idea of their children going into comprehensive schools.

Mr. Chetwynd

Sheer prejudice.