HC Deb 17 July 1963 vol 681 cc500-1
9. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at what age children in the new town of East Kilbride are being admitted to primary schools.

Lady Tweedsmuir

On or shortly before reaching the statutory age for admission to school.

Mrs. Hart

Is it not the case that on occasions in the recent past children have not been admitted until they are 5½ because of the tremendous shortage of school buildings in East Kilbride and Lanarkshire? Is not one of the reasons for the acute difficulty in building new schools the tremendous burden of the new town upon the county council, particularly as most of these children come from Glasgow? Will the hon. Lady ask the Secretary of State to make a serious examination of the case for specially ear-marked grants for school buildings and other facilities in the new towns?

Lady Tweedsmuir

I am advised that the reasons for children not being admitted until after they are5 are not those given by the hon. Lady. This authority, like many others, has two entrance dates, February and September. If the child has not reached the age of 5 just before the entry date it will have to wait for the second admission date. As to the second part of the hon. Lady's supplementary question, I do not think it meets the point.

Mrs. Hart

Is the noble Lady denying that there are acute difficulties in the school building programme in East Kilbride and Lanarkshire? Will she take account of the request I have made? Is there not a strong case for consideration of this matter?

Lady Tweedsmuir

Certainly there are difficulties in the building programme, but that is not the reason why children are not admitted under 5.

Mr. Ross

Is the noble Lady assuming that there is no shortage of accommodation in relation to children entering school?

Lady Tweedsmuir

I should certainly not say there is no shortage of accommodation, but the reason why they are not admitted is that they have not reached their fifth birthday by the entrance date.

Mrs. Hart

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.