HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 c1192
34. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education whether she will now withdraw the ban on new school building when such new schools are needed for reorganisation of all-age schools.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am afraid it is not yet possible to sanction new building solely for this purpose. Some progress with the reorganisation of all-age schools will, however, continue to be made as a result of the provision of new secondary schools.

Dr. King

Is the right hon. Lady aware that, after the provision of accommodation, the most serious problem is that of providing secondary education for the one-seventh of our children who are still in all-age schools, and that as long as she bans new buildings which are needed for reorganisation she is perpetuating all-age schools and preventing new schools from being built which might, at one and the same time, provide primary and secondary education separately for children and also extra school accommodation?

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, but I think the hon. Gentleman knows that the situation has improved and is improving. On 1st January, 1953, there were 14.3 per cent. of the school population aged 13 in maintained and assisted primary and secondary schools who were in all-age schools, compared with 15.8 per cent. in 1952 and 16.9 per cent. in 1951. I agree that we want to see this reorganisation. I think that it will come more quickly now that we are building more secondary schools.

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