HC Deb 19 October 1943 vol 392 cc1240-1W
Mrs. Hardie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Scotland are receiving only part-time education; and in what districts is this lack of facilities for full-time education operating?

Mr. Johnston

According to the latest returns by the education authorities the number of children receiving half-time education had fallen from 14,662 on 12th June, 1943, to 10,787 on firth September, 1943. The education areas in which these children reside are the burghs of Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow; and the counties of Aberdeen, Angus, Ayr, Lanark, Renfrew, Ross and Cromarty and Stirling.

Mr. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the 14,662 children reported last June as receiving half-time education are still under this handicap; and how many of the 30 schools occupied for other purposes have now been released for their proper function?

Mr. Johnston

According to the latest returns from the education authorities the number of children receiving half-time education had fallen to 10,787 on nth September, 1943. In the eight education authority areas in which the occupation of schools for other purposes is given as the reason for the failure to restore full-time education, three of the 30 day schools which were still wholly occupied in June last have since been released. Active steps are being taken for the release of certain other schools or for the provision of alternative accommodation. In practically all the areas where half-time education is still in evidence the effects are limited to the infant and primary departments.