§ 53. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is aware of the difficulties in obtaining deliveries of oil for central heating purposes in some schools in the inner London area; what steps she has taken to overcome this shortage; what advice she has given to school authorities to alleviate difficulty for teachers and pupils in cold weather; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeWith the ending of the strike of the tanker drivers, the234W situation is rapidly returning to normal, and the Inner London Education Authority hopes that all its schools will be open by the middle of next week. The Authority took all possible steps to reduce the effects of the strike, both by using other forms of heating where this was practicable and by providing alternative accommodation, in some cases in church halls and neighbouring schools. Both the Authority and my right hon. Friend very much regret the disruption of children's education caused by the strike.