HC Deb 20 February 1964 vol 689 cc1379-80
16. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Education whether he will now give authority for the expenditure required for the building of premises for a county youth centre and gymnasium at the Littleover County Secondary School, Derby, the construction of which has been required since 1951 and which has been constantly postponed by the reduction of money allowed for the Derbyshire authority's capital minor works programme.

Sir E. Boyle

I will consider the youth wing at this school along with the other proposals put to me by the authority for its 1965–66 youth service building programme, but I must have regard to the authority's own order of priorities. As to the gymnasium, it is for the authority to decide what projects it wishes to undertake within the annual allocation allowed it for minor works.

Mr. Noel-Baker

With so small an allocation, it is impossible for the authorities to make this gymnasium. If the gymnasium is not made, the school will be seriously handicapped and the future of an important youth centre will be in danger. Is the Minister aware that in this very Conservative part of my constituency there is keen resentment against the Government which I am doing my best to fan?

Sir E. Boyle

The right hon. Member's idealistic sympathies are well known in the House. Even if I did allocate minor works projects from the centre, I should not be influenced by his last point. However, local authorities have had £2 million more for minor works this year compared with last year. I have had to give priority to the authorities with the biggest population problems. Derbyshire's population has in fact been falling slightly.

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the nature of the reply, I will do my best to raise this matter on the Adjournment.