§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if Her Majesty's Inspectors make reports on the standard of hygiene in schools; and what follow-up action they take.
§ Mrs. ThatcherIt has not been the practice of Her Majesty's Inspectors to make separate reports on school hygiene. Where they come across unsatisfactory conditions, they naturally draw them to the attention of head teachers and local education authorities, and, where appropriate, my Department.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the recent comments of the Liverpool Medical Officer of Health concerning the standards of sanitation in Liverpool schools, a copy of which has been sent to her by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Exchange, whether she is satisfied with the standard of sanitation and hygiene in schools generally; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI am satisfied with the building standards prescribed in the statutory regulations with which all new schools must comply. I hope that the greatly increased primary school improvement programme, which I have announced, will speed up the modernisation or replacement of old and defective premises. The maintenance of hygienic conditions in schools is in the first instance the responsibility of the local education authority concerned.