HC Deb 02 July 1964 vol 697 cc1534-5
27. Sir L. Ropner

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many maintained primary and secondary schools have been completed in the West Riding of Yorkshire since 1951; and how many have been modernised.

Mr. Hogg

One hundred new primary schools; and 42 new secondary schools have been completed, including first instalments. Two primary and 6 secondary schools; have been remodelled, and major extensions and adaptation work have also been carried out at 5 other primary and 32 secondary schools.

Sir L. Ropner

I congratulate the Government on the progress which has been made during the last few years. Can my right hon. and learned Friend give me the assurance that still further progress will be made during the next period of office of the Conservative Party?

Mr. Hogg

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Duffy

Is the Secretary of State aware that in the Colne Valley constituency of the West Riding of Yorkshire more than three-quarters of the primary schools were built in the nineteenth century, more than one-half of them are dependent on outside lavatories, and more than one-third of them are without a staff room? Three such primary schools in this West Riding constituency are dependent on outside chemical closets. Does the Secretary of State think that he is entitled to be complacent?

Mr. Hogg

The West Riding of Yorkshire has a building programme of £3.8 million for 1965–66 and about £3.7 million for 1966–67.