HC Deb 13 February 1947 vol 433 cc77-8W
37. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Education how many additional places will be required to enable the school-leaving age to be raised to 15 years on 1st April under conditions which comply with the Minister's own recommendations; and how many will actually be existing.

Mr. Tomlinson

No additional accommodation will be required until after the summer holidays. By that date, it is estimated that 2,545 classrooms and 1,081 practical rooms in temporary prefabri- cated construction will be needed. These will account for over 8o per cent. of this year's requirements. Of the remainder of the accommodation needed this year the greater part will be provided in new schools in light permanent construction. Intensive efforts are being made to complete the necessary building programmes in time.