HC Deb 26 July 1956 vol 557 cc60-1W
59. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that an order from his Department that full-time education in art shall, in Gloucestershire, be confined to only one centre, namely, Cheltenham, will make it impossible for parents in more outlying parts of the county to send their children to these courses; and whether he will reconsider this decision.

Sir D. Eccles

No such order has been given. I have made certain recommendations to the local education authority and am awaiting its considered views.

62. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Minister of Education why he proposes to close down the full-time art classes of the School of Art, Woolwich Polytechnic; and what financial economies he expects to result.

Sir D. Eccles

This proposal from the London County Council results from a recommendation made last year by H.M. Inspectors that the concentration of full-time art courses in London in six art schools would be the best way of meeting the demand. I cannot at present estimate the financial saving.

63. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Minister of Education the number of full-time and part-time students at the School of Art, Woolwich Polytechnic in 1938 and today; and what his estimates are for future years.

Sir D. Eccles

I have not got the figures for 1938. The figures for 1954–55 were 36 full-time, 44 part-time day and 264 evening students. As the hon. Member knows, the London County Council has proposed that the full-time courses should be discontinued. The number of part-time enrolments will depend on local demand.

64. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the importance of decentralising art education in this country as a means of stimulating local pride and interest in artistic achievement, he will make grants to local bodies for this purpose.

Sir D. Eccles

There are nearly 200 grant-aided art schools, as well as many evening institutes in which art and craft classes are held. I welcome this widespread interest, but it is also important to concentrate the provision, especially of full-time classes, if we are to maintain a high standard of work.