§ 10. Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that the Hampshire school building programme for 1968–69 does not include a Roman Catholic junior and infants school for the Andover area, even though it had Class 1 priority; and whether he will reconsider his decision in this matter.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mrs. Shirley Williams)A new denominational school can be included in a building programme only if it would provide places for children who would otherwise be out of school. The proposal for the new Roman Catholic primary school in Andover did not fall within that category. We shall, however, consider this project again in the submission for the 1969–70 school building programme.
§ Mr. MitchellIs the Minister aware that her Answer will cause some concern to those who value the right of parental choice and see a great value in religious education? Nevertheless, there is considerable gratitude for her undertaking to look at this again in relation to 1969–70.