HC Deb 03 May 1962 vol 658 cc1176-7
6. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the fact that the Cleethorpes Girls' Grammar School has one of the best examination results in the country, when he expects the extension work on this school to begin; and if he will give priority to those schools that are most successful.

Sir D. Eccles

I understand that the Lindsey authority has recently approved a project for the Cleethorpes Girls' Grammar School under its minor works programme and that plans will shortly be sent to my Department. It is for the local education authority to decide which projects are to be carried out within its minor works allocation.

Sir C. Osborne

If the plans are being sent to his Department by Lindsey. will my right hon. Friend promise to deal with them quickly and get the work started? Does he not think that schools that have good results ought to be given some reward for those good results?

Sir D. Eccles

I assure my hon. Friend that as soon as the plans come in I will deal with them. Whether examination results are a good criterion for minor works is a matter for argument.

Mr. Lipton

Would not it be a better idea to give priority to those schools which are least successful—

Sir C. Osborne

No.

Mr. Lipton

—because they need the priority most?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The Question is about a particular school said to be very successful, so that that is a different question.

Sir C. Osborne

May I ask Whether my right hon. Friend is aware that this school was built for, I think, 250 girls and that now there are over 500 at the school? Is he aware that it is not minor works nor adjustment that is required but something bigger and better, and that the results obtained surely justify that?

Sir D. Eccles

As soon as the authority submits the plan to me I shall look at it and I hope that I shall be able to approve it at once.