HC Deb 06 February 1969 vol 777 c563
15. Mr. Berry

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will amend the building code which governs the number of car parking places at colleges of further education.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Within the available resources additional car parking could be provided only at the expense of other aspects of the further education building programme. At present I do not think this would be right, but it does deserve further study.

Mr. Berry

I am grateful for the hon. Lady's consideration. Does she agree that students will still attend in their own cars and on motor cycles, as many of them do these days, and that they should find space within the colleges or they will affect local residents? Does she agree that in these days it is important that the justified demands of students should be considered seriously in this respect?

Mrs. Williams

The hon. Gentleman is right, but it is more desirable to find student places than parking spaces for cars. If the hon. Gentleman can supply evidence of need concerning his own constituency and the colleges within it, we will be glad to look at it again.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

On this occasion I support my Member of Parliament and ask the Minister whether she will look at the peculiar difficulties of Enfield College where something could be done without too much expense and without interfering with the educational grants?

Mrs. Williams

As I assured my hon. Friend's Member of Parliament, I will be glad to look at any evidence of need.