HC Deb 10 March 1949 vol 462 cc129-30W
2. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Minister of Education how many nursery schools have been closed since the end of the war.

Mr. Tomlinson

Seven, of which one is being carried on as a day nursery.

3. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Minister of Education how many nursery schools have been built since the end of the war.

Mr. Tomlinson

Six new nursery schools have been opened since 1st April, 1945, and one more is nearing completion. Three of these are in premises which were adapted for the purpose. I have given final approval to proposals to build a further fourteen new nursery schools. These figures do not include 311 war-time day nurseries which have been taken over by local education authorities as nursery schools.

Captain Bullock

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that in the Borough of Crosley there are 510 families with children under 10 years of age living in overcrowded conditions as well as 700 families with children under six on the list of live housing applications; and if, in view of these figures, he will reconsider his decision not to recommend the establishment of a nursery school at No. 15, The Esplanade, Waterloo.

Mr. Tomlinson

As I have already explained fully to the hon. Member, more immediately pressing demands on the resources available for educational building preclude me from approving this and similar projects at the present time.