HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc72-3W
101. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Education in how many schools children were sent home during the cold spell through lack of proper heating facilities and through burst pipes; and what steps she is taking to ensure that schools are properly heated during the winter months, particularly in view of the fact that the mothers of many children work during school hours, and that as it is impossible to send the children home with no one there to look after them, they have had to be detained in cold school buildings.

Miss Horsbrugh

I should not normally expect reports from authorities of cases of this kind and I have received none on this occasion. At the same time, I am sure that local education authorities realise that, if they are faced with difficulties in this matter which they cannot solve themselves, they can rely on any help that it is within my power to give them.

Mr. Llewellyn

asked the Minister of Education how many schools in Glamorgan have had to send pupils home during the last 10 days because they were without coal.

Miss Horsbrugh

I am informed by the local education authority for Glamorgan that, up to the 30th January last, four schools had been closed for periods ranging from a half day to three days for lack of fuel.