HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 cc1384-5
16. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware of the urgent need for a new county secondary school in Splott, Cardiff, in view of the conditions in which teaching is now being carried on; and if he will undertake to include financial provision for such a school in the 1964–65 programme.

Mr. Chataway

I know that the Cardiff local education authority is anxious to replace the existing school, but it has other projects which it rightly regards as more urgent. I cannot yet say when it will be possible for my right hon. Friend to authorise this work.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the last part of that Answer mean that he has not made up his mind yet or that he has made up his mind not to do so?

Mr. Chataway

The 1964–65 building programme has not yet been announced.

Mr. Callaghan

In that case, may I press on the Minister, as strongly as I can, the urgent need for this work to be done? Will he review whether it is accurate that Cardiff put this at the top of the list? I understood that it was bracketed at the top of its list with three other projects, all of which are vital. Is it not a measure of the failure of the Government that they are unable to give priority and attention to four projects in the City of Cardiff which need urgent action, as is agreed by every educationist of all parties in the city?

Mrs. White

May I, as one who lived in Cardiff for several years in the past, support what my hon. Friend has said and ask the Parliamentary Secretary to look very seriously at this problem? The needs of the area are really urgent. Will he please do something about it?

Mr. Chataway

I shall certainly consider what is said. There are two projects in this area which are needed for the reorganisation of all-age schools, and they would, in the ordinary course of events, secure priority.