HC Deb 02 May 1963 vol 676 cc1281-2
2 and 3. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Education (1) whether he will reconsider his decision about the construction of a new school building to replace the present building occupied by St. Mary's Secondary School in Derby; and if he will now approve the inclusion of this project in the school-building programme for 1964–65;

(2) what reply he has sent to the letter addressed to him by the Town Clerk of Derby, conveying to him the concern of the county borough council about his decision to approve none of the school building projects proposed by the council for the year 1964–65.

The Minister of Education (Sir Edward Boyle)

The Town Clerk's letter has been acknowledged and a further reply promised. I shall consider the request together with those from other authorities in the light of the current review of capital investment and the future load on the building industry.

Mr. Noel-Baker

May I first ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he hopes to send a personal answer to the council's protest, as all the council's members, including its Conservative members, voted in favour? Is he aware that on this occasion Mr. Gann, the regional officer, signed this himself but addressed it to the local education authority, Derbyshire, which does not show a great sense of personal responsibility and attention to a matter which, to Derby, is of great importance?

Sir E. Boyle

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that if there has been any mistake of that kind I will make a point of sending a personal letter myself.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is the Minister aware that the Roman Catholic school has been in the development plan for the borough since 1944; and that the Roman Catholic authorities have had no new building in the borough for forty years, and are at present turning away half the children who are applying to come in?

Sir E. Boyle

I realise the full facts. Of course, while the replacement of these various Roman Catholic secondary schools would product more roomy and better conditions for both primary and secondary children, these projects must be looked at together with the large number of other important projects in other parts of the country when the final size of the 1964–65 national programme is settled.