§ 24. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the rapid influx of population into Madeley in the county of Stafford and of the need for additional school accommodation; and if she will approve additional projects in the Staffordshire school-building programme for this year.
§ Miss HorsbrughMost of the new housing in Madeley is intended for people already living in the area. I understand that the number of additional families will be about 50, and that existing schools can accommodate the expected number of children.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the Minister inquire into this again, because her information is all wrong? Is she aware that 50 per cent. of the houses under the N.C.B. scheme are for people coming into the area, and that already quite a number of families have come into the area and their children can find no accommodation in the schools although the right hon. Lady was warned about this last year? Will she have inquiries made into the situation in Madeley, as it has already caused a school crisis in that parish?
§ Miss HorsbrughI have inquired fully into this case, and if the hon. Member will at any time give me any definite figures I will again inquire. My information from the local education authority is not the same as what the hon. Gentleman has stated. In the Madeley Endowed School additional places will become available when a new handicraft room is finished. There are, in addition, 150 places available in the Madeley Heath, Leycett and Onneley schools.