§ 28. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Education how many schools have been built in the Crawley new town; how many are projected; what are the arrangements for appointing teachers to these schools; and how many have already been appointed.
§ Miss HorsbrughFive schools or extensions to schools have been completed, four are now being built, three on the 1953–54 programme, and one further school is being considered for inclusion in the 1954–55 school building programme. Teachers are appointed by the local education authority or the managers or governors. Twenty-seven teachers have already been appointed to the five schools or extensions to schools that have been completed.
§ Mr. GoughWould my right hon. Friend agree that it is a little unusual for an hon. Member to ask domestic and yet somewhat critical questions about another constituency without any previous consultation with the sitting Member? Secondly, does she agree that possession of the full facts of the case here show that the local authority, in conjunction with her Ministry, are doing a fine job under very difficult circumstances? Thirdly, would my right hon. Friend agree that this Question is the culmination of a campaign started, in conjunction with the local government elections, jointly by the Labour and Communist Parties?
§ Miss Horsbrughrose—
§ Mr. StokesBefore the right hon. Lady answers that question, might I ask if it is not a fact—
§ Hon. Members: Order.
§ Miss HorsbrughI think that my hon. Friend has done right to point out, in his supplementary question, how well this local authority have been working in very difficult circumstances, and that their work, in conjunction with my Department, has shown great progress, and that the matter has been tackled extremely well.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the Minister aware that I had no ulterior motive in putting down my Question, which arises out of difficulties which people in my constituency have suffered, or think they have suffered? I agree that the local education authority have done very well and are entitled to credit. I am sure that the right hon. Lady will acquit me of having any ulterior political motive in putting down such a Question as this.