HC Deb 24 July 1964 vol 699 cc156-7W
Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) in how many of the 197 new schools opened between 1955 and 1960 and stated by Her Majesty's Inspectors in their 1962 survey to have overcrowded dining conditions the overcrowding has been remedied;

(2) in how many of the 195 new schools opened between 1955 and 1960 and stated by Her Majesty's Inspectors in their 1962 survey as having inadequate storage facilities this fault has been remedied;

(3) in how many of the 81 new schools opened between 1955 and 1960 and stated by Her Majesty's Inspectors in their 1962 survey to have dining arrangements which caused disturbance to the school the defect has been remedied;

(4) in how many of the 63 new schools opened between 1955 and 1960 and mentioned by Her Majesty's Inspectors in their 1962 survey because meals had to be taken in classrooms, improved dining accommodation has now been provided;

(5) in how many of the 76 new schools opened between 1955 and 1960 where meals were taken on school stages alternative dining accommodation has now been provided.

Mr. Hogg

The purpose of the survey into unsatisfactory dining conditions was to determine the main causes for complaint and where practicable, to issue advice designed to prevent their recurrence in future new schools. It would not be possible without extensive inquiries to say at which schools covered by the survey authorities have since made alternative arrangements or improvements. I am, however, writing to the hon. Member in greater detail about the various points he has raised.