§ 29. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware of the difficult conditions which exist for the teachers and students of the Swinton Comprehensive School due to the students having to use school buildings which are over two miles apart; what action he will take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedheadYes Sir, but I cannot add to the Answer given to my hon. Friend on 4th November.
§ Mr. WainwrightIs my hon. Friend aware that the present building used by the Swinton day teachers training college was built for the comprehensive school, and does not he agree that the local education authority was generous in offering this building for the teachers training college? What explanation has he for the failure to build the new day teachers training college so that the school may have back for its use the building which it was originally intended to have?
§ Mr. RedheadI appreciate the purpose of the authority in this proposal and, naturally, we regret the inconvenience to the pupils and staff occasioned by the present suspension and general postponement of public expenditure. This, of course, is not a matter wholly within the hands of my Department, but, so long as it lasts, I am afraid that the pupils and staff must be asked to sustain the difficulty.
§ Sir E. BoyleDoes not the hon. Gentleman's very reasonable question emphasise the danger of a rapid and nationwide drive for a reorganisation of education on comprehensive lines? This is an example of precisely the difficulties to which we have so often drawn attention.
§ Mr. RedheadThe right hon. Gentleman must not exaggerate this single case into a case against the general policy.
§ Mr. WainwrightI beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.