HC Deb 17 March 1971 vol 813 c1409
32. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the fact that he is providing funds for the building of new primary schools for an increasing population in Lanarkshire, if he will provide moneys for the building of a new primary school at Shawhead, Coatbridge, where there is an existing school population; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Taylor

It is for the education authority to make proposals for taking up its allocation of capital investment. The programme the authority has submitted does not include a new primary school at Shawhead.

Mr. Dempsey

But is it not the case that the Minister's Department has made a special arrangement with Lanarkshire education authority to provide the sum of nearly £1 million to build primary schools for the incoming population in East Kilbride—coming from all parts of the United Kingdom—whereas primary pupils in the existing school population at Shawhead are without a new school? Is that not unfair? Should not the money be used to provide a very much required, essential project at Shawhead?

Mr. Taylor

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to the situation in the new town, for example—

Mr. Dempsey

Yes.

Mr. Taylor

—the authority's present allocations are not intended to cover schools needed in the East Kilbride new town. Investment will be available for this purpose when the extent of the provision needed has been agreed.