HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 c1530
40. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education how many new secondary school places are to be provided in 1953 and 1954, respectively.

Miss Horsbrugh

I estimate that about 70,000 new secondary school places will be brought into use during 1953. I cannot yet give an estimate for 1954, but I expect that the figure will be higher than in 1953.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that what is called the post-war bulge in school population will move up to the secondary schools by 1955 and 1956? Can she give an assurance that she can meet the demand for places in those years, because instead of 70,000 there will be nearer 150,000 or 200,000 places wanted then?

Miss Horsbrugh

The real pressure will come after 1957—about 1958. The peak in the junior schools will be in 1957. We are looking into this matter. The number of secondary places in major school building projects started in the financial year 1952–53 was 74,445. The number of secondary places in major school building projects to be started in the financial year 1953–54 is 128,830.

Mr. Johnson

The Minister said that the bulge will move up in 1957. Is not she aware that if a child was born in 1944 that child will be 11 in 1955? It is imperative to provide accommodation for that year.

Miss Horsbrugh

If I may use jargon that I have heard, the peak of the bulge will not be in the secondary schools until 1958.