HC Deb 23 July 1970 vol 804 cc733-4
14. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will confirm the school building programme already authorised for South Shields; and whether she will invite applications for additional capital works in areas of special social need.

Mr. van Straubenzee

School building programmes which have been approved do not require my right hon. Friend's confirmation. Local authorities were invited in June to submit by September proposals for minor capital works in areas of special social need under Phase III of the Urban Programme.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that he intends to see a continuation of the very valuable authorisations for replacement of old schools which we had under the previous Administration and even to expand these in the future?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I hope that I made it clear to the hon. Gentleman that all proposals which have been approved do not require additional confirmation. I think that that gives the assurance which he requires.

15. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the proposals for secondary education reorganisation now before her Department.

Mrs. Thatcher

I understand that the hon. Gentleman intends this Question to refer only to South Shields. I am informed that the authority, at its meeting on 29th July, will decide whether it wishes the Department to consider further the proposals now before it.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the right hon. Lady prepared to accept proposals which would set back the whole agreement which has been reached in this town after long discussion and argument and which would result in the acceptance of continued selection at 11-plus?

Mrs. Thatcher

When the authority has let us know what it wishes to happen, we will consider the proposals.