HC Deb 16 June 1966 vol 729 cc1637-8
22. Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science at how many schools outside toilets are still being used; and how many of these are not fully roofed.

Mr. Redhead

In 1962, when the school building survey was carried out, 17,378 schools had mainly out-of-door sanitation. The survey did not distinguish between lavatories with roofs and those without. To obtain information about improvements since the survey would require a special enquiry of all authorities.

Mr. Freeson

Will my hon. Friend undertake some kind of inquiry along these lines? Would he not agree that it is quite deplorable that there are many schools with sub-standard toilet and sanitary accommodation while there is a considerable amount of unnecessary social building by private enterprise in the localities concerned? There is quite a lot in my district alone.

Mr. Redhead

I am conscious of the deficiencies in this respect in many schools, and I regret that it will not be possible to get rid of all outside lavatories in schools for some time, but that is no reason why conditions in them should not be made hygienic and tolerable. However, the authorities are very busy at the moment and this matter would not justify a special inquiry.

Sir S. McAdden

Will the hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend to discover whether local education authorities would be satisfied to know that in the opinion of the Ministers the function of those authorities is the siting of schools and the siting of toilets?

Mr. Redhead

I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend.