HC Deb 19 March 1953 vol 513 cc207-8
43. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education how many primary and secondary schools are now under construction, compared with the numbers a year ago.

Miss Horsbrugh

On 31st January last, 665 new primary schools and 321 new secondary schools were under construction in England and Wales. The figures for the same date in 1952 are 868 and 279, respectively.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware that it is very disturbing indeed to see that the number of primary schools under construction has dropped, and that there has been a cut? At a time when classes in primary schools are becoming more and more crowded, what action is the Minister taking to reverse this trend?

Miss Horsbrugh

I am glad to assure the hon. Member that he need not be disturbed. The main reason for the drop in the number of primary schools under construction is the increase in the rate of completion. The number of primary schools completed in the year ended 31st January, 1953, was 457, compared with 296 during the corresponding period in 1951–52.

Mr. Swingler

I am very glad to hear of the increased completions, but what is to happen to the children in 1954 and 1955 unless more schools are started now?

Miss Horsbrugh

They are going into better schools, built more quickly and more cheaply than ever before.

49. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education her latest estimate of the numbers of primary and secondary schools on which building work will start in 1953, compared with the numbers in 1951 and 1952.

Miss Horsbrugh

As the basis of the educational building programme is the financial year, I cannot give an estimate for the calendar year 1953. The programme of work to be started in 1953–54 now includes 423 new primary and secondary schools. During the calendar year 1952, work was started on 346 new primary and secondary schools. The comparable figure for 1951 is 523.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware that we are pleased she has repented of what she did last year and now proposes to increase the number of schools which she will start this year, but that the number of places at which she is aiming is at least 110,000 short of requirements? Will the right hon. Lady, therefore, reconsider this whole problem and start more schools for the benefit of the children next year and the year after?

Miss Horsbrugh

As the hon. Member knows, the target laid down by my predecessor was 1,150,000 places by a certain date. I still agree that that is the target which we should reach and, I think, can reach. As for the fact that the hon. Member thinks I have changed my policy and now repent, I only say that we are going on from strength to strength and building more all the time.