HC Deb 12 December 1947 vol 445 cc257-8W
Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many schools have been built or rebuilt in each of the last three years in Newfoundland; and what is the total number of children educated in them and the percentage they form of the total school population.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In the three-year period 1st April, 1944–31st March, 1947, the number of new schools built was 211, and the number rebuilt and extended 115. It is not possible to give exact figures for each separate year as the work of construction sometimes runs into a second year. The total number of children being educated in such schools is 22,329, representing approximately 32 per cent. of the total school population.

Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the number of children receiving secondary education in Newfoundland; and what are the names of the schools where they receive it.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Owing to local circumstances such as the lack of communications and the smallness of many communities, the curriculum of a large number of schools in Newfoundland covers work from first grade to high school grade. During 1946, 173 one-room schools out of a total of 819 were doing work above the elementary level. In all, secondary school work is carried out in 751 schools in Newfoundland at which 6,079 children attend.