HC Deb 23 April 1959 vol 604 cc578-9
14. Dame Irene Ward

asked 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 Ward

While 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. Lloyd

Without following my hon. Friend in her exact phraseology, broadly speaking, I agree with her. This 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. King

Is 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. Lloyd

Yes. 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.