HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 cc1369-70
9. Mr. du Cann

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the concern felt in Taunton and the surrounding countryside at the inadequacy of the premises housing Huish's Grammar School; that there is an urgent need to build a new three-stream entry school; and what action he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Yes, Sir, and I agree that a new school is needed as soon as circumstances permit. I cannot yet say when this will be.

Mr. du Cann

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the sympathy which I know he feels for this very worthy cause, may I ask him whether he is aware that boys attending the school are being taught in a 1919 United States Army hut which is in so bad a condition that the walls and the floor do not even meet, that there are only seven lavatories in the school for 450 boys and that accommodation is totally inadequate? Is he not aware that I have just presented a Petition signed by the remarkable number of 17,600 people in Taunton? Will he give a date when he thinks that this work may begin?

Mr. Lloyd

To give my hon. Friend a definite date is exactly what I cannot do today, but he can rely on the fact that I am very sympathetic about this very important matter.

Mr. du Cann

On a point of order. In view of what I must describe as an unsatisfactory Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour of raise the matter on another occasion.