HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 cc50-1W
Mr. Groves

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of schools open in the area of Southend; and the number of scholars attending elementary and secondary schools in this area, separately, for 1938 and at the present time?

Mr. Butler

On the 31st March, 1938, the number of children attending the 20 public elementary schools in the county borough of Southend-on-Sea was 12,644. On the 5th January, 1942, there were 19 schools open, some of them in temporary accommodation, at which 5,000 children were receiving full-time instruction. On the 31st March, 1938, the number of pupils attending the five grant-aided secondary schools in the area was 2,786. As a result of the Government's evacuation scheme, all these schools were moved to the reception areas, where the four schools provided by the L.E.A. are continuing their work. The remaining school, which is in receipt of direct grant from the Board, has, on the initiative of the governors, re-opened in Southend and is providing for approximately 200 pupils.