§ 40. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the increase in approved school places during the past 12 months; what is his estimate of the number of places still required; and what are his plans for providing these places.
§ Mr. BrookeSince 1st November, 1961, 310 additional places have been provided in approved schools for boys, including 66 in two new schools. During the same period 29 additional places have been provided in girls' schools, but two schools, providing 54 places, have been closed; one of these schools is to reopen next year after being enlarged.
I estimate that, if existing trends continue, about 1,600 more places will be required by the end of 1966. Plans are in train to provide all these 1,600 places, by enlarging existing schools and by building a further 18 new schools. Looking to the immediate future, between now and the end of 1963 about 600 more places are expected to be provided in existing schools, as well as at least 150 in four new schools.