HC Deb 17 July 1969 vol 787 cc864-5
12. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory facilities for primary education at Stockton-on-Forest; what representations he has received from the local education authority; and what plans he has for remedying the situation.

Miss Bacon

The North Riding Authority has submitted a proposal to replace the Stockton-on-Forest Church of England controlled school, because of the defects of the existing building. My right hon. Friend has been unable to find a place for it in the building programme because priority had to be given to more urgent projects. I cannot yet say when it will be possible to sanction this replacement.

Mr. Turton

Is the right hon. Lady aware that 16 years ago these school premises were admitted to be out of date and in the last five years this school's population has increased by 50 per cent. and now has to be housed in improvised accommodation which is 500 yards apart? Will she accept an invitation from me to visit this school during the Summer Recess—if we are to have one?

Miss Bacon

This is not the first invitation I have had from the right hon. Gentleman. The North Riding Education Authority has been given permission to build four new primary schools under its 1969–70 design list. The local authority put forward a list of 13 and put this school eleventh in the list, so I think the right hon. Gentleman will realise that the education authority gave others higher priority. Incidentally, this school was built in 1857. I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that it should have come down long ago.