HC Deb 18 October 1971 vol 823 cc355-6
18. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what special measures he will take to combat overcrowding in East Flintshire primary schools.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I am confident that the needs of East Flintshire are adequately provided for under the normal building programme, but if the hon. Member has a particular school in mind I will gladly look into the matter and write to him.

Mr. Jones

Is not the Secretary of State aware of the colossal increase in child population in East Flintshire, and of the cramped and unhealthy conditions in which the children in the Bryn Deva C.P. school in Connah's Quay and Buckley Emmanual C.P. School are being educated? Will he not take emergency action to alleviate the worry of parents and teachers at these schools?

Mr. Peter Thomas

Yes, I am certainly aware of the increase in child population which has taken place over the last few years in East Flintshire. The building programme for 1973–74, which I am about to announce, will include several projects for East Flintshire, and these, together with the major and minor capital projects that I have already announced, are designed to meet the needs of the area.

Mr. Alan Williams

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's concern about over-crowding in schools, will he take this chance to confirm or deny the serious allegations made by a Swansea Conservative councillor that the Secretary of State intimated that in the event of Swansea County Council going ahead with its intention to provide free milk to the schoolchildren of Swansea he, as Secretary of State, would use his power to stop much needed schools in Swansea being built—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I do not think that that has much to do with overcrowding in schools in East Flintshire.