HC Deb 28 July 1955 vol 544 cc1321-2
5. Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister of Education if the Government will establish a hostel in London to receive all the year round parties of school children from the provinces.

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir; there are many more important things to be done in education.

Mr. Lever

Is the Minister aware that every year thousands of boys and girls from Manchester schools and from schools from other parts of the country visit the Metropolis, and that at the end of the day they are very tired after seeing what is to be seen in the capital? Will he, therefore, give this suggestion further consideration? Does he also realise that the boys and girls coming from the schools are not so tough that they can stand up to a day of rushing round the city, and will he look at the matter again?

Sir D. Eccles

It is an attractive idea and I have been thinking about it, but it may well be that the way to deal with it would be by private effort. The Minister has so much work connected with schools themselves that I do not think we could start building hostels.

Mr. Lever

But will the Minister give further consideration to it?

Sir D. Eccles indicated assent.