HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 cc1868-9
7. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the discontent and inconvenience occasioned by his letter of 27th June which, by refusing the closure of the secondary modern school at Hixon, has made impossible the promised September opening of a comprehensive school at Walton in Stafford; what steps he now proposes to enable the intention of his Circular 10/65 to be fulfilled; and whether he will receive a deputation from the Staffordshire Local Education Authority at an early date.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Denis Howell)

The school at Hixon was built less than ten years ago as a secondary school. My right hon. Friend was unable to approve that it should be closed with the effect that part only of its premises would be used—as a primary school—having regard to the general shortage of school buildings in the district. I am aware of the disappointment that will result from the effects of this decision on the plans for opening Walton School. My right hon. Friend has recently received the Authority's full proposals under Circular 10/65 and is considering them. Arrangements are being made to receive the proposed deputation.

Mr. Fraser

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is one of the most unsatisfactory replies that has ever been received in the whole field of education? It is grossly unfair to the children in the area and monstrously wasteful of public funds in so far as two white elephants will be created, one the Walton School, on which some £250,000 has been spent, and the other the inevitable demand for a new primary school at Hixon. Will he think again and bear in mind what I am going to say to him when I come with a deputation not to see him but, I hope, the Minister?

Mr. Howell

I am aware that it would be wasteful of resources now to turn a school which was built specifically as a secondary school less than ten years ago into a school for primary purposes, with the added factor that the proposition would involve transferring children from the Hixon area, a distance of seven or eight miles away. Of course, we shall be glad to hear anything the right hon. Gentleman or the local authority has to say to us when they come to see us.

Mr. Fraser

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In the event of the failure—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is not a point of order.