HC Deb 29 November 1977 vol 940 cc245-6
5. Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from Leeds City Council concerning the financial resources available for education in the city.

Mr. Oakes

I met representatives of the authority this month to discuss school building allocations. Its allocation of £916,000 for 1977–78 has now been increased by a total of £535,000. Last week it asked that its 1978–79 allocation of £990,000 should be increased to £2.6 million. This request is still being considered. The authority has been invited to bid for allocations under the £17 million programme in 1978–79 to assist secondary reorganisation recently announced by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Roberts

Is my hon. Friend aware that part of my constituency is now in the city of Leeds? It is true that the schools in the old part of my constituency are excellent, but will my hon. Friend note that now that I have to take some interest in the city of Leeds I am aware of the need to reappraise the whole situation so that we can get rid of the Dickensian schools in the old part of the city?

Mr. Oakes

We are considering the authority's request for £2.6 million, and I emphasise that in terms of the reorganisation money, there is a possibility that some of the £17 million for secondary schools in 1978–79 will be available for Leeds.

Mr. Joseph Dean

I thank my hon. Friend for saying that there is an increased allocation. However, is he aware that it does nothing for the school in my constituency, the Castleton primary school, which has been referred to as a scandal school and which has had its roof propped up for three years? If no further resources are forthcoming, the children will have to continue to be educated in the most squalid conditions. Can he give them any hope for the immediate future?

Mr. Oakes

I never cease to admire the tenacity of my hon. Friend in raising the problems of Castleton primary school on every possible occasion. The authority has not yet included the school in a building programme, but it appears on the list of projects covered by the request for an additional £1.6 million in 1978–79.