§ 14. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Education how many schools still have earth closets.
§ The Minister of Education (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)I am sorry that this information is not available in my Department, but I will make special inquiries about any particular area the hon. Lady has in mind.
§ Dame Irene WardWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his courtesy, may I ask whether he will make a general inquiry, because would he not agree that in 1959, with so many good modern schools being built, it is quite beyond the pale that a number of children should have to go to schools where there is no modern sanitation? Will he press local education committees in this matter?
§ Mr. LloydWithout following my hon. Friend in her exact phraseology, broadly speaking, I agree with her. This 579 problem is dealt with wherever waterborne sanitation is available locally. It is primarily a problem that can be dealt with under the minor works programme, to which I have allocated the largest amount which has ever been allocated and I think that a lot of progress will be made in this matter.
§ Dr. KingIs the Minister aware that Hampshire, which had 120 such schools ten years ago, has got rid of this form of sanitation in practically all of them as a result of a vigorous minor works programme? Will the Minister encourage all local authorities to get rid of this real nuisance?
§ Mr. LloydYes. In accordance with our policy outlined in the White Paper. I want to encourage all local authorities to bring their modern schools up to the standard reached in Hampshire.