§ 2. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Education what school projects for the excepted district of Newcastle-under-Lyme she has under consideration for inclusion in next year's building programme; and if she will include a project to provide more secondary places in Chesterton.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe Staffordshire building programme for 1954–55 approved by me includes one primary school and one secondary school in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The location of the secondary school will depend upon finding a suitable site, but the school will in any case contribute to the secondary provision for Chesterton.
§ Mr. SwinglerI thank the Minister for paying greater attention to Newcastle's needs, but may I ask her to consult the local education authority to ensure that schools are sited in such a way as to reduce the very great travelling distance?
§ Miss HorsbrughI have been in consultation with the local authority. As the hon. Member knows, the difficulty is that although one site was found they think they cannot build on it because of the subsidence that might occur.