HC Deb 14 March 1957 vol 566 cc1299-300
29. Mr. Wilkins

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education whether he is aware of the decision of the Somerset County Council Education Committee to close its nursery schools in Bridgwater and Yeovil; what protests or representations he has received in this regard from responsible organisations both locally and nationally; and whether, in view of the urgent need for the continuance of these schools having regard to the requirements of Section 8 (2) (b) of the Education Act, 1944, he will issue a direction under the powers conferred upon him by Section 68 of that Act.

Sir E. Boyle

My noble Friend was informed of this decision and received representations about it from the managers of both schools and from parents. He requested the local education authority to give an explanation of its decision, and he received this yesterday. He is now considering it.

Mr. Wilkins

I am grateful to the Parliamentary Secretary for that Answer so far as it goes, but may I ask him whether he will give consideration to, or call for an analysis of, the categories of children attending both these schools, so that he will be made aware that 75 per cent. of them are in the top priority classes, including those on the waiting list?

Sir E. Boyle

I know the hon. Gentleman has expressed much concern upon this matter, as have, by letter, my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Wills) and my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton); but I cannot anticipate my noble Friend's decision upon it.

Mr. Peyton

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his acknowledgement of the interest of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater and myself, which is rather more immediate than is that of the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Mr. Wilkins) who raised the point. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] May I ask my hon. Friend if he will press this matter with the Somerset County Council, which itself not very long ago decided that the retention of these two schools was desirable and necessary, and would he put it to the authority in Taunton also that it really has not yet appreciated the needs of growing industrial areas?

Sir E. Boyle

I can only repeat that I cannot anticipate what my noble Friend will decide.