HC Deb 21 February 1963 vol 672 cc625-6
23. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education how many condemned or obsolete school buildings in Staffordshire have been replaced in the last five years; how many remain to be replaced; and how many replacements are included in next year's building programme.

Sir E. Boyle

I understand from the local education authority that 36 schools were rehoused or replaced in the five years 1958 to 1962, and that 122 remain for replacement. Four replacement projects are included in the 1963–64 building programme.

Mr. Swingler

Does not the Minister think that it is shameful that over 100 schools have been declared obsolete in Staffordshire—many of them, as in my constituency, having been declared obsolete for 27 years or more—and are in need of replacement? Will the right hon. Gentleman take note of the immediate need to enlarge Staffordshire's school building programme?

Sir E. Boyle

I do not think that the record of 36 schools replaced in five years is too bad. Regarding the 1964 school building programme for Staffordshire, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary told the hon. Member last week that it consists of more than £1¼ million worth of school building for the growing population. I appreciate the hon. Member's concern but whether one considers the share of the total building programme or replacements, I do not think that Staffordshire comes off too badly.