§ 22. Mr. John E. B. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will restore to local education authorities freedom to carry out mini-minor improvements to schools; and within what limits.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeNo decision has yet been made about mini-minor works. Local education authorities are free to use their minor works allocations for projects which individually cost up to £30,000.
§ Mr. HillWould not my hon. Friend agree that to restore "mini-minors" would enable a great many exasperating small defects to be removed from schools which at present have to remain in old buildings, particularly primary schools in rural areas?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI know that my right hon. Friend's mind is in no way closed to suggestions in this respect, but my hon. Friend will recall that few minor projects now need individual approval.