HC Deb 19 March 1953 vol 513 c208
44. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education the latest estimate of the number of new school places created since 1945.

Miss Horsbrugh

The total number of new primary and secondary school places brought into use by new building between 1st April, 1945, and 1st February, 1953, was 898,380.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that the figures she has just given show that we are seriously lagging behind the necessary provision for school places for children? Will the right hon. Lady do something now to restore the policy that was carried out by the last Government?

Miss Horsbrugh

No. My reason for not restoring that policy is that the number of new places brought into use increased from about 160,000 in 1951 to nearly 220,000 in 1952.