§ 16. Lieut.-Commander Maydonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far provisions for schools and teachers during the financial year 1955–56 for Gibraltar will improve the present shortage of school places in the Colony.
§ Mr. HopkinsonTemporary arrangements have already been made by the Gibraltar Government to make good all shortages of school places until September, 1956. Plans for a permanent solution have also now been prepared for submission to the local Legislature.
§ Lieut.-Commander MaydonCan my hon. Friend tell the House how many children at present have schooling on a staggered hours basis, which, I understand, is the present basis for dealing with the shortage of school places?
§ Mr. HopkinsonI am afraid that I cannot answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. G. JegerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when we were in Gibraltar we were informed that there were 150 five-year-old children for whom there were no places in the schools? Is any action been taken within the present year to provide places for those children?
§ Mr. HopkinsonIf the hon. Member will look at the reply which I gave he will see that temporary arrangements have been made to make good all shortages until September, 1956. We are well aware of the difficulties which have arisen. They are due to the fact that a very large number of children were born in 1945, when the population moved back after its removal during the war.