§ and 4. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) by what date it is hoped to replace, or improve, all 19th century schools in Essex;
(2) whether she will make a further statement about the improvement of primary schools.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)My policy is to secure that those 19th century primary schools for which there is a continuing need are replaced or improved as fast as resources allow. The 1972–73 programme already announced for this purpose represents a very good start.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware that Buckhurst Hill in my constituency is extremely well served in its primary school teachers and exceedingly ill served in its primary school buildings, and that the people of Buckhurst Hill were promised a new primary school before the Second World War? Will she bear these facts in mind as a stimulus to her efforts, which we all applaud, to improve primary schooling in this country?
§ Mrs. ThatcherI will, of course, bear in mind the facts put by my hon. Friend. In the meantime, I point out that we approved the improvement or replacement of all six nineteenth century primary schools proposed by Essex for the 1972–73 programme. If he wishes that school to be replaced, he should ask Essex to give it high priority in its programme.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckWill the right hon. Lady also look at the situation in Hertfordshire where the need is very great?
§ Mrs. ThatcherYes, and Cornwall and one or two other counties as well.