§ 12. Mr. McLeavyasked the Minister of Education what were the reductions made by his Department in the school-building programme submitted by the city of Bradford Education Authority for the year 1963–64; what further reductions were made for the year 1964–65; and what representations he has received about these reductions from the local education authority.
§ Mr. ChatawayProposals submitted by the Bradford Education Authority for 1963–64 totalled £1,158,000 and approvals about £340,000. Corresponding figures for 1964–65 were £1,100,000 and £333,000. My right hon. Friend has received and replied to a letter from the authority about its 1964–65 programme.
§ Mr. McLeavyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a serious reduction for 1460 1964–65 and that on the art side there has bean no allocation by the Ministry since 1961–62? Is he further aware that although the great importance of this industrial city in the North requires the best possible education facilities, these are being seriously interfered with by the lack of school accommodation?
Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister to look at this matter personally and to review the allocation made for the next financial year? Furthermore, will the Minister give further consideration to the question of art, because, after all, we do not want to see the very high standard of art training in Bradford interfered with by lack of accommodation?
§ Mr. ChatawayMy right hon. Friend is aware of the needs of Bradford Education Authority, and I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says about art. However, the approved major building programmes during the five-year period for Bradford totals about £2¼ million. That is a very fair share of the available resources.