HC Deb 05 March 1953 vol 512 cc558-9
44. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the coming shortage of secondary school places in Warwickshire for the session 1953–54; and what she intends to do about this.

Miss Horsbrugh

Though there may be pressure in some areas, I do not foresee any general shortage of accommodation for pupils of secondary school age in Warwickshire in the session 1953–54.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that this is not the view of the Warwickshire County Council Education Committee? Would she kindly check the source of the information which she has just given to the House?

Miss Horsbrugh

The number of pupils of secondary school age in the session 1953–54 is expected to be about 1,000 higher than in the present session. Three new secondary schools with a maximum accommodation for about 1,200 pupils are expected to come into use before or during the 1953–54 session.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that while the pressure may not emerge during next year, it is certain to emerge throughout the country in the years following? In view of the recent article in "The Times," what does she propose to do about it?

Miss Horsbrugh

I quite agree that the difficulty we have to envisage will occur in about 1955–56. I cannot now state what will be the exact programme of building further than the next year. The present year's programme has been announced, but I quite agree that we have to arrange the programme for 1955–56.