§ 72. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Education the number of primary schools now under construction; how this figure compares with those for the same dates in each of the last five years; and to what extent an increase in primary school-building is being planned, in view of the rising birth rate in 1956 and 1957.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydFollowing is the number of primary school departments under construction in England and Wales from 1953 to 1958:—
Year (31st March) 1953 … … … … 703 1954 … … … … 582 1955 … … … … 445 1956 … … … … 355 1957 … … … … 353 1958 … … … … 281 The rising birth rate in 1956 and 1957 has not so far made necessary any change in building plans, but I am watching the position.