HC Deb 14 February 1955 vol 537 cc13-4W
Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that some 60 children were unable to gain admission to Broadfield Infant and Junior School, Harlow, at the beginning of the present term and that special arrangements have been made to transport juniors to a neighbouring school; and whether he is satisfied with progress on the school buildings programme for this new town having regard to the abnormal percentage of young children arriving there.

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, but the local education authority is well advanced with a proposal to provide additional school accommodation in this area. Taking the new town as a whole the local education authority is doing a good job in difficult circumstances. For example, two primary schools, each providing at least 560 places, were recently built in twelve months.

Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Education the present density of the population of the new town of Harlow in the 0–4 age groups; and whether he is satisfied that the machinery for joint consultation between the local education authorities and the new town development corporation enables the former to be furnished at the earliest possible moment with figures of requirements for educational places in order that they may complete adequate building plans.

Sir D. Eccles

On 30th June last there were about 2,200 children below the age of five in houses provided by the new town corporation. I understand that machinery for joint consultation of the kind referred to in the question is working well.

Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Education whether he will give his approval for the building of an additional school at New Harlow on part of the site of Netteswell Secondary Grammar School.

Sir D. Eccles

I shall consider promptly whatever proposal the Authority submit to me for extra school accommodation for this part of Harlow.