HC Deb 29 March 1971 vol 814 cc1137-8
16. Mr. Alec Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when it is intended to begin the continuation of a new comprehensive secondary school in the mid-Rhondda area.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I cannot say. I understand that because of more urgent projects, the local education authority is not likely to make a formal submission in respect of the proposal for some time.

Mr. Jones

Will the Secretary of State indicate that this project is not being held up by the existence of the old Naval Colliery tip, and that if the existence of the tip is restricting the construction of the school he will call on the derelict land unit of the Welsh Office to give the advice necessary to ensure that the tip is cleared so that the comprehensive school can come to that area?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I understand that if the proposed school were built it would require some tip removal to provide the site, but that, I understand, is not the reason for the project being held up. The Glamorgan Education Authority itself decides priorities, and makes submissions to me which, presumably, reflect priority, but the project to which the hon. Gentleman refers has not commanded sufficient priority for submission to me by the authority.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell the House that he regards it as his duty to provide capital funds for the provision of new comprehensive schools in Wales as soon as possible in order to accord with the opinion of the vast majority of the Welsh people?

Mr. Peter Thomas

In this matter I have to pay attention to submissions which are made to me by the local education authorities.