HC Deb 28 July 1959 vol 610 cc298-9
24. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken, and if he is satisfied of their adequacy, to ensure in Ayrshire secondary schools sufficient places for the increased numbers passing from the primary schools.

Mr. Maclay

The only pupils for whom there will not be such places at the beginning of the session, will be about fifty pupils of Braehead primary school, Ayr. They will follow their secondary course in their present school until January, 1960.

Mr. Ross

That will apply, I presume, only to junior secondary pupils. Is everything satisfactory in relation to the number of places available in senior secondary schools in Ayrshire? From what I hear, there is considerable concern that there will not be enough places to admit children who would benefit therefrom and that many of the makeshift arrangements are giving cause for concern and are far from satisfactory.

Mr. Maclay

I agree that matters are not entirely satisfactory. I am, however, advised that the authority expects that the schools under construction and projected will enable it to provide all the secondary places required in the foreseeable future.

Mr. Ross

We are not concerned with the foreseeable future of these children, who should get their secondary places by September. The Government have failed to provide them at the right time.

Mr. Maclay

In my reply, I gave the hon. Member the information which I at present have on the matter raised by him.

Mr. Ross

Very unsatisfactory.