HC Deb 03 March 1966 vol 725 cc1467-8
23. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated current average cost of a primary and of a secondary new school place, respectively; and what would be the estimated cost of providing the extra school places needed for the raising of the school-leaving age to 16 years, respectively, by enlarging the secondary schools with the age of transfer at 11-plus, and by enlarging the primary schools so as to cope with an assumed age of transfer of 12-plus.

46. Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the cost of raising the school-leaving age on the assumption that local education authorities are allowed to base their comprehensive plans on an age of transfer other than 11-plus; and what is his policy towards local education authorities wishing to follow this course.

Mr. Redhead

The current costs per place for new primary and secondary schools respectively are £230 and £435. It is not possible to estimate the costs of raising the leaving age by different building plans without also making assumptions about the implied changes in school organisation.

The relative cost with different ages of transfer would vary according to the circumstances of different authorities. My right hon. Friend gave some advice on school organisation in paragraph 22 of Circular 10/65. This allows authorities to put proposals to him and does not rule out local variations. In considering such proposals he will naturally take into account whether there would be clear advantages in such an arrangement.

Mr. Hill

Will the Minister say to what extent he is allowing local education authorities flexibility in designing their building plans to take account of ages of transfer other than 11-plus where it is locally advantageous?

Mr. Redhead

When proposals are submitted in accordance with the Answer which I have already given in which a local education authority indicates its desire, for some good and satisfactory reason, to depart from normal standards, my right hon. Friend will consider the proposal on its merits.