HC Deb 15 July 1959 vol 609 cc393-6
25. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Air what has been the increase since 1955 in the number of children of Royal Air Force parents requiring school places at Khormaksar and Steamer Point, Aden; when this increase became known; and why there has been such a long delay in adjusting the schoolbuilding plans.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)

Since 1955 the number of children requiring places at Royal Air Force schools in Aden, including children of naval, military and civilian parents, has risen from 400 to 1,000. The increase has been a progressive one, and it was not until 1958 that we realised the present figure was going to be quite so large. Because of the successive increases the schools now to be built have twice had to be redesigned.

Mr. Swingler

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I raised this question on 18th July, 1956, and that the then Under-Secretary of State for Air, who is now Secretary of State for War, then said that he realised that the position was unsatisfactory. He went on: That is why we are planning to go ahead and build this new primary and secondary school. We hope to be able to start early next year."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 18th July, 1956; Vol. 556, c. 1185.] That is to say, in 1957. Is he aware that nothing has been done to build either a new primary or a new secondary school for these children of the increased number of families there in this period of time? There has been a delay of over two years? Is this not a case of disgraceful neglect on the part of the Royal Air Force?

Mr. Ward

I do not think it is anything of the sort. I do not want to appear complacent about this, but it was no good going ahead with new schools if they were going to be hopelessly inadequate. We have twice had to start all over again, and that is why there has been the delay.

Mr. Swingler

Does not the right hon. Gentleman make some plans to provide for the children who are going there? Surely, it is the responsibility of the Air Ministry to see that some sort of educational provision is made for the children of R.A.F. parents who it is known are going to these places? Is it not the fact that for over two years no increased provision has been made?

Mr. Ward

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the population, both of R.A.F. and of naval, military and civilian personnel, has been rapidly increasing in the last few years. We have had to try to bring our school plans up to date.

26. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Air when it is expected that school places will be available for the fifty children awaiting admission to school at the Royal Air Force base at Khormaksar and Steamer Point, Aden.

Mr. Ward

We hope to have school places for all the children who need them in time for the January term next year.

Mr. Swingler

Is it not a fact that for a considerable period of time a very large number of the children of Royal Air Force families have been without educational provision? Has not this been due to lack of planning and competence on the part of the Air Ministry and failure to provide for the expansion of schools at this base? Is it not a fact that there is no real reason why this should have taken place, but that it happened because of sheer negligence?

Mr. Ward

About 160 children of Service families in Aden attend civilian schools. Fees of those who are unable to get into Service schools are paid from Air Votes.

27. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Air when he expects to receive the report of Her Majesty's Inspectors on Royal Air Force schools in Aden; and if he will publish the recommendations contained therein.

Mr. Ward

I understand that the report will probably be ready by the end of the month. Reports by Her Majesty's Inspectors are customarily treated as confidential and I see no reason to make this an exception.

Mr. Swingler

Will the Secretary of State for Air make a statement as soon as this report is available? Is it not a fact that it was admitted by the Air Ministry that accommodation for the children of Royal Air Force families at these bases was totally unsatisfactory in 1959 and that nothing has been done during the intervening time, except for the provision of a couple of huts, because of the argument that the plans have to be adjusted to the increasing numbers of families? Is not the result that a large number of children are without provision for education today, and will the Minister promise to take urgent action to see that these children are provided with some opportunity for education?

Mr. Ward

I told the hon. Gentleman that we are making urgent provision. We hope that all the children who want to go to Service schools in Aden will be able to do so by January.