HC Deb 18 November 1954 vol 533 cc564-5
51. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education to what extent he will enlarge the secondary schoolbuilding programme next year in order to cater for the increasing numbers of children requiring secondary education and to facilitate a reduction in the size of classes.

Sir D. Eccles

It is impossible to make an exact estimate of the number of places required until we know how many new houses will be built, and where. I can assure the hon. Member that everything possible will be done to match the secondary schoolbuilding programme to the increase in the number of children of secondary school age.

Mr. Swingler

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the recent figures about the size of classes in secondary schools? Is he aware that we are only at the beginning of a tremendous rise in the secondary school population? In view of the relaxation of controls on private building, can he undertake, as the Minister now responsible for school building, that he will make a substantial increase next year in secondary schoolbuilding?

Sir D. Eccles

I am reviewing the building programme, and would ask the hon. Gentleman to wait until I am ready to make a statement.

Miss Bacon

Is the Minister aware that, even without new housing estates, there will be considerable overcrowding in secondary schools in the next few years, and that, unless the Government are prepared to spend much more money on those schools, the position will be serious and chaotic?

Sir D. Eccles

I am looking into the whole programme. The peak arrives in 1961 so there is time to make provision.

52. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education if, in view of the increase of 10,000 since 1951 in the number of oversized primary classes, he will now arrest the decline in the primary school-building programme.

Sir D. Eccles

The primary school-building programme as now planned should make possible a progressive reduction in the size of primary school classes.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware that the nation is shocked by the fact that the number of oversized classes has increased by 10,000 in the last three years, and that, during that period, the number of primary schools building has been decreased by the Government by over 300? The responsibility, therefore, lies fairly and squarely on the Minister of Education for allowing this. Can he now assure us that there will be a change of policy in this respect and that the Government's primary schoolbuilding programme will be aligned to the number of children needing places?

Sir D. Eccles

The number of primary schoolchildren is now increasing only very slightly. Already far more primary school places are being provided than are necessary to meet the increase in the numbers of children.

Mr. J. Johnson

Will the Minister confirm or deny that his predecessor sent a letter to the education officer of Manchester, Mr. Fisher, asking whether, in view of the shortage of places in secondary schools that there would be in future, he would consider keeping eligible secondary schoolchildren in the junior schools? Is that the case, and if so, is that to be his policy in future?

Sir D. Eccles

I have no knowledge of that letter, but I do know that my predecessor did extremely well in meeting the demand.