HC Deb 30 June 1966 vol 730 cc2182-3
41. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply he has sent to the petition signed by 1,025 parents with young children in Laceby, near Grimsby, for the provision immediately of a new school to meet the requirements of this developing district; if he will treat this as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. Edward Redhead)

My right hon. Friend has replied that it is for the Lindsey Local Education Authority to plan for any additional school places that may be needed in Laceby. Two new classrooms came into use at the beginning of this school year. Increasing numbers in this area may require further building.

Sir C. Osborne

But is the Minister of State aware that the local education committee replies that it can only go as far as the Secretary of State will provide the money for it to do the work? Is he further aware that this is desperately urgent because our school population has multiplied fourfold? Will he give the authority the power to carry the work out?

Mr. Redhead

I am conscious of the difficulties to which the hon. Gentleman refers but I draw his attention to the fact that the existing school has 270 places and that the present number on the roll is 253. I admit that new housing in the village will increase the demand, but there is time for the local education authority to decide how the increased numbers should be accommodated and it may submit its proposals to my right hon. Friend.

Sir C. Osborne

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.