§ 15. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many unrecognised boarding schools have been inspected during the last 12 months; how many of these have now been recognised as efficient; how many have been informed that they will be recognised as efficient when certain structural alterations have been completed; and how many have been informed that their applications for recognition will be rejected.
§ Mr. Edward ShortSixty-three during the twelve months to March, 1969. Of these, six have been recognised as efficient, two have been provisionally recognised and two will be recognised when they have implemented the recommendations of the local fire officer. Of the remaining 53, one is closing, one is ceasing to take boarders, 18 have been given advice on measures needed in order to reach recognition standards, and 33 will have a decision very shortly.
§ Mr. TurtonDealing with schools where recognition is dependent on structural alterations, will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the present financial stringency and give extended time for those structural alterations to be completed?
§ Mr. ShortI understand that the second round is to be completed by 1972, and I should have thought that that was ample time to get this work done. I hope so, anyhow. However, if the right hon. Gentleman has any difficulties, perhaps he will talk to me about them.
§ Mr. J. E. B. HillIs the Minister aware that there is considerable delay in getting inspection at some schools? I know of three cases of postponements amounting in all to 18 months. Can he speed up inspection where the schools request it?
§ Mr. ShortWe are doing our best to speed up inspections and will continue to try and improve on the time table to which I referred in replying to the right hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton).