HC Deb 28 February 1963 vol 672 cc1428-9
11. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that the Fair-cross Special School, Barking, built in 1921, is in need of modernisation, and that a satisfactory plan exists for its development to provide for the accommodation of 180 physically handicapped children; and if he will approve this project so that work may begin on it as soon as possible.

Sir E. Boyle

The Essex local education authority put forward this project for the 1964–65 building programme, but it was not satisfactory in its original form. My Department has recently received modified proposals which are still under discussion with the authority.

Mr. Driberg

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this school was originally designed as an open-air school, that its central heating is quite inadequate and that it recently had to close for a number of days during the bad weather? While many other schools had a similar experience, is not this particularly unfortunate in the case of a special school for educationally subnormal children? As soon as the plans are satisfactory, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite things a bit? Also, will he say whether he approves of the general idea that it should be transformed into a school for physically handicapped children?

Sir E. Boyle

This is a difficult problem. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am giving the case my special attention. This school is certainly in need of improvement. There are two difficulties. The original scheme was estimated to cost about £30,000, but it now appears that it will be necessary to spend more than twice as much, nearly as much as a new school would cost. The Essex authority has placed this project only third in priority in a list of four special school projects in their area. As the hon. Gentleman says, the plan is rather changing. The authority's plan involves reorganising this school and also a school at Dagenham. One has to consider whether, looking to the future, this is the best solution, bearing in mind other provision in the area. But I shall certainly pay careful attention to the question of this school.