HC Deb 24 June 1965 vol 714 cc1926-7
22. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in what way provision of classrooms, showers, changing room facilities and other accommodation at Swanage Grammar School falls short of the standards laid down by his Ministry.

Mr. Prentice

I understand from the Dorset Authority that the teaching area of this school is 5,359 sq. ft. below the minimum standard. The school is short of six toilet fittings and six wash basins and there is no medical inspection room. The playing fields are below the minimum size laid down. No precise standards are laid down for hall, gymnasium, changing rooms, showers and storage space.

Mr. King

Is the Minister aware that I visited this school recently and that the conditions there fall very far short of what any reasonable parent might expect? May we hope that the Minister will give us a definite date by which the improvements will be carried out?

Mr. Prentice

Improvements to and extensions of this school were included in the proposals submitted by Dorset for the 1965–68 programme but were not accepted by the former Government who then, of course, had responsibility for the matter. If in due course the improvements are submitted again, for the remainder of the 1967–68 programme, we will give the matter careful consideration.