HC Deb 30 April 1959 vol 604 cc1443-4
10. Mr. Bonham Carter

asked the Minister of Education why he has rejected the proposal of the Devon County Council to include a new secondary modern school at Hartland in the county's school building programme.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I have not included the proposal in the building programmes for 1960–62 because I am not satisfied that this is the best way of providing secondary education for the area. The question is being further discussed locally.

Mr. Bonham Carter

Is the Minister aware of the special circumstances at Hartland? Before taking this decision, which overrules the recommendation of the county council which had the full backing of the rural district council, the parish council, the Hartland School Association and the manager, did any of his officials look at the circumstances on the spot?

Mr. Lloyd

There seems to be a difference of opinion locally, because I believe the local education authority took a different view.

Mr. Bonham Carter

Is the Minister aware that the great mass of opinion in Devon, and in Hartland itself, is united on this matter? Did he take into account the social value of a school in a very remote and scattered community? Is he aware that some of the children will be travelling as much as three hours a day by bus if his suggested plan goes through?

Sir Henry Studholme

Is it not a pity that the hon. Member for Torrington (Mr. Bonham Carter) should have made in this connection remarks in his constituency about Government expenditure calculated to mislead the electorate?

Mr. Lloyd

I think the real question is whether there should be a new school at Hartland or expansions in Bideford and Bude, and this is an important matter which will be discussed further locally.