HC Deb 11 March 1965 vol 708 cc606-7
16. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when construction of the new comprehensive school at Okehampton is expected to commence.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. R. E. Prentice)

This project was not included in the major school building programme for Devon in 1965–67 approved by the previous Government, and building will not be starting in the near future. When my right hon. Friend is ready to settle future programmes he will consider this project if it is submitted to him by the Devon authority.

Mr. Mills

Will the Minister bear in mind the very real need in Okehampton for a comprehensive school? Will he also bear in mind that many of us want a comprehensive school in the area— [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—and that we believe it is an ideal situation for a comprehensive school? But will the Minister also bear in mind that there are other areas in my constituency where it is not necessary to have comprehensive schools? Will he urge the provision of the Okehampton comprehensive school as soon as possible?

Mr. Prentice

We will bear in mind both points that the hon. Gentleman has made and particularly the rather enlightened first half of his supplementary question.