Premier Jennifer Smith told MPs yesterday.

But she said the "deplorable'' conditions at the Ministry's Paget HQ were in line for a revamp -- although she admitted it "will take some time.'' Ms Smith -- who holds the Education portfolio as well as the Premiership -- said: "These conditions are not conducive for the productivity that I expect from the staff of the Ministry.

"I believe that in order for the Ministry staff to produce, to flourish and to excel so that they may properly support our young children, then one of the basic requirements is to provide those staff with the physical environment in which to accomplish these ideals.'' Concerns raised by Ms Smith include not only the crumbling building, but a lack of space, poor ventilation and lighting, inadequate fire escapes and poor storage for supplies.

Ms Smith added that the Point Finger Road building was shared with the Ministry of Health and Family Services, under Nelson Bascome , and that he backed her views.

She said she understood a Fire Service report had been prepared on the building and if it had, she and Mr. Bascome would be asking to see it.

"If not, we will request Fire, as well as Health and Safety reports, in order to determine how best to resolve this situation.'' And she said she would also be asking Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott to get his staff to assess the building and what needed to be done to bring it up to scratch.

Ms Smith added the Bishop Spencer School annexe of the Ministry was also sub-standard.

She said: "This Government intends to address these conditions while continuing to make improvements in the delivery of education in the classroom our priority. We know that resolution of these problems will take some time -- but we intend to start that process as soon as possible.'' Ms Smith added legislation to introduce truancy officers and to alter the school zoning system to help with primary school enrolment problems would be introduced in the New Year.

She said she had been approached by parents and teachers about problems in the school system since the PLP took power last month.

And she added she would be meeting with staff at CedarBridge Academy and the Bermuda Union of Teachers next week.

CONCERNED -- Premier Jennifer Smith