HC Deb 31 March 1955 vol 539 cc548-9
58. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Education how many new schools were completed in Wales in the period 1945 to October. 1951, and in the period November, 1951 to 1955, respectively and how far he expects the provision of new school buildings to be maintained or increased.

Sir D. Eccles

Forty-seven and 94 schools, respectively. I expect that the recent rate of building will at least be maintained.

Mr. Gower

Do not these figures make nonsense of suggestions that the provision of schools has not been accelerated by the present Government?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir.

59. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Education how many additional school places were provided in the period 1945 to October, 1951, and in the period November, 1951 to 1955; and how far he expects the provision of additional school places to be maintained or increased.

Sir D. Eccles

Six hundred and forty-four thousand and fifty and 704,350 school places, respectively. I expect that the recent rate of building will at least be maintained.

Mr. Gower

Does not this reveal that this Government in half the time have provided far more schools than the Labour Government provided in a period of six years?

Mr. D. Jones

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the places completed after 1951 were started before the election?

Sir D. Eccles

Not without notice.