Alloa (Hansard, 23 March 1977)

§ 11. Mr. Reid
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to pay an official visit to Alloa.

§ Mr. MacCormick
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it not disgraceful that the Leader of the Liberal Party should not be here to ask Question No. 10?

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The only point of order that the hon. Gentleman can raise is in connection with raising the matter on the Adjournment.

§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzie
My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans for a visit.

§ Mr. Reid
In the town of Alloa there are two secondary schools—Alloa Academy and St. Mungo's Academy—which are split schools, the latter having no fewer than 12 separate teaching units. Is the Minister of State aware of the difficulties facing teachers in dilapidated classrooms and the anger of parents that promised extensions will not now take place? Will he investigate the situation and make his investigations known to the parent-teacher associations of both schools?

§ Mr. MacKenzie
My right hon. Friend is aware of the position at Alloa Academy and will have noted the hon. Gentleman's comments about St. Mungo's Academy. No doubt he will get in touch with the hon. Gentleman direct.

§ Mr. Fairbairn
When the Minister has finished looking at Alloa Academy, will he go on to Pitlochry and see the secondary school there, where the children have been taught in huts since the school was burned down in 1974? If the local authority is not required to insure the building, will the Government make funds available to put one up in its place?

§ Mr. MacKenzie
I am gratified that the hon. and learned Gentleman should anticipate my right hon. Friend's visit. I have no doubt that if he cares to raise these matters with him direct my right hon. Friend will be able to satisfy him, as he often can.