HC Deb 12 July 1962 vol 662 cc1487-8
2. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Education what action he proposes to take in order to meet the demand for primary and secondary education in North Coventry; and whether he will authorise the Coventry local education authority to prepare plans for building a new comprehensive school in the area near Rookery Farm, and to provide increased primary school places at White moor Secondary School which can then be available for primary education.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

I have included in the 1963–64 building programme one primary and one secondary school project to provide additional places in the northern part of Coventry. I shall consider the proposal for an instalment of a new school at Rookery Farm with the authority's other submissions for the 1964–65 programme.

Mr. Edelman

In welcoming that reply, may I ask the Minister to bear in mind that it would be a great pity if the civic, cultural and industrial achievement of the city did not have an educated generation capable of appreciating it? In these circumstances, will he give special attention to the pressing needs of Coventry, which has a high rate of population growth, particularly related to the high birth rate and also to immigration from other parts of the country?

Sir D. Eccles

I am aware of the special needs and, indeed, of the good work which has been done in Coventry and I will keep the situation closely under consideration.