§ 26. Mr. G. Robertsasked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the difficulties that have arisen in Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire, as a result of the recent destruction by fire of Troedyrallt Primary School; and what plans he has to meet the situation.
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir. I am waiting for proposals from the local education authority to meet the school's difficulties.
§ Mr. RobertsIs not the Minister already aware that an emergency has arisen in this respect and that these primary school children, about 200 of them, have had to be accommodated in various halls scattered all over the town owning to the destruction of their school by fire? Is he aware that these halls are seriously deficient of lavatory and washroom facilities so that the children must seek out the public conveniences in the town? Does this not constitute a case for priority action by his Department?
§ Sir D. EcclesI am very well aware of these difficulties and I think it is time that the local authority came forward with proposals. It is for the local authority to make proposals, whether for temporary huts or for any other form of accommodation.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman's inspectorate inform his Department of an emergency of this kind, without the local authority having to make an approach?
§ Sir D. EcclesNaturally my inspectorate told me that the school had been burnt down. I then awaited the local authority's proposals for meeting the emergency.