§ 35. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Education what representations he has had made to him regarding the sanitary arrangements at Flixton School, Suffolk; whether he is aware that parents and the managers are dissatisfied with the present arrangements; and, in view of possible increase in numbers of pupils, if he will press the local authority to install flush lavatories as soon as possible, as is done in many other rural schools supplied with piped water.
§ Sir D. EcclesSince the hon. Member raised this case with my predecessor no representations have been received. I understand that the local education authority is considering the difficult question of providing flush lavatories in schools which are not yet connected to a main sewer.
§ Mr. EvansIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this school has lately had to be disinfected owing to very serious infection there? Is he further aware that the whole cost involved would not exceed £200? Without making any invidious comparisons, would it not be equitable if the large sums which are spent upon some schools in providing all the frills of education were utilised in bringing these country schools up to a proper standard of sanitation?
§ Sir D. EcclesI have great hopes that the removal of the ceiling on minor works will enable local education authorities to do many of these jobs, but if a sewerage scheme is coming it is surely a matter for argument whether it is worth spending money in the interval upon a septic tank.