HC Deb 01 December 1960 vol 631 cc568-9
16. Mr. Owen

asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to deal with the overcrowding at the Morpeth Boys' Grammar School; and whether he will make a statement.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

The local education authority put forward for the 1962–63 building programme a proposal to rebuild this school on another site. I regret that resources could not be found for this in the 1962–63 programme but I will consider it for a later programme. New buildings have been approved for the neighbouring girls' school and when these are completed the present girls' school buildings may be used for the time being to relieve the boys' school.

Mr. Owen

Is the Minister aware that there is an urgent need for this matter to be speeded up? Is he aware that both staff and students are frustrated by the prevailing overcrowding, and that there are more than thirty students in the top class at a time when individual instruction is vital to their subsequent careers? Will he reconsider this matter to see whether something can be done to speed it up?

Sir D. Eccles

I am aware that the buildings are overcrowded and I shall shortly be considering the 1963–64 programme.