HC Deb 20 June 1968 vol 766 cc1295-6
28. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities are still awaiting approval for their 1968–69 school building programmes.

Mr. Edward Short

Letters have been sent this week to all local education authorities in England and Wales.

Mr. Silvester

Is the Secretary of State aware that great inconvenience has been caused to local education authorities which have, I believe, this day received information about the building programme for 1968–69? Would he like to take the opportunity of expressing his apologies to them for the inconvenience so caused?

Mr. Short

This is a consequence of postponing the raising of the school- leaving age. I met the chief education officers this week, and I am sure that they fully understand the reasons for the delay.

Sir E. Boyle

Have the final allocations now been sent out or is the right hon. Gentleman, as on many previous occasions, keeping some money in reserve for those authorities which can put forward the strongest case for an addition to their programmes?

Mr. Short

I am afraid that the final allocations have been sent out for this year.