§ 45. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the new secondary school at Fleurs Avenue, to replace the existing Bellahouston Secondary School, will be commenced.
§ Mr. J. StuartNo agreement has been reached as to the type, size or purpose of the school to be built on the site at Fleurs Avenue. After these fundamental points have been settled, much work, including the drawing and approval of plans, will remain to be done before a date for starting the building can be fixed.
§ Mr. RankinMay I take it from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that it is proposed to go ahead with the construction of this absolutely necessary secondary school in my division?
§ Mr. StuartI would point out that the new housing areas where there are either no schools or completely inadequate schools have first priority, but, of course, if it is shown that it is essential to build further on the Fleurs Avenue site, we will do so as soon as possible.
§ Mr. RankinIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is absolutely necessary to have this school in the Tradeston Division? The existing one is the only secondary school in the division, the pupils at present are scattered throughout seven annexes, and it is quite impossible for the school to carry out the functions that a secondary school should be carrying out in these conditions. May I deduce from what the right hon. Gentleman said in his first reply that a school will be commenced, and that it is now simply a matter of awaiting the date of commencement?
§ Mr. StuartI cannot go as far as that. We have asked the authorities to furnish a report as to the needs of this particular school and that has been promised but not yet received.
§ Mr. Rankin rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Is the hon. Member rising to a point of order?
§ Mr. RankinYes, Sir, I am rising to a point of order. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I have never heard a point of order started with the words, "Is the right hon. Gentleman aware."