HC Deb 02 May 1968 vol 763 cc1279-80
25. Mr. Kenneth Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what additional help he plans to give to the London Borough of Ealing, Southall and Acton to help it with the serious problems arising from the high and increasing proportion of immigrant children in its primary schools.

Miss Bacon

I have already taken these difficulties into account in deciding the authority's minor works allocation for 1968–69, and I have also increased their teacher quota for the next academic year by 70 teachers—four more than the authority asked for. I am very ready to consider any other proposals which the authority put to me which lie within my responsibility.

Mr. Baker

I am glad to have the assurance that the right hon. Lady will welcome other approaches from my local education authority, because when they have been made in the past the door has been shut. I ask her to accept that those of us on both sides of the House who are trying to keep down the temperature on this issue must have Government financial support for the great problems of our constituents.

Miss Bacon

I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman said. Very shortly I and other Ministers concerned with immigration are receiving a deputation from the Ealing authority on the matter.