HC Deb 25 January 1983 vol 35 cc771-2
4. Mr. Sainsbury

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he takes into account the effective use of energy when making decisions about school closures.

Dr. Boyson

My right hon. Friend takes account of all relevant factors, including the premises-related costs of maintaining the schools concerned.

Mr. Sainsbury

Does my hon. Friend agree that far too many school buildings—particularly temporary buildings—are inadequately insulated and that that leads not only to classrooms being too hot in summer and to cold in a normal winter, but to a considerable waste of fuel? Will he therefore ensure that when local authorities consider any proposals for removing temporary buildings, or even closing schools, they take into account the revenue costs that could be saved by using better insulated buildings, and also the capital costs that they should incur to ensure that the buildings that are retained in use are properly insulated?

Dr. Boyson

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. The guidance that we give to local authorities under section 12, which deals with schools and buildings which should no longer be used, is that temporary buildings and the buildings to which my hon. Friend referred should be considered for removal when there are falling rolls in an area. Similarly, in 1980ߝ81 we put in £25 million for energy conservation, which, as a matter of interest, was six times more than the Labour Government provided in 1978–79.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Will my hon. Friend urge local authorities to excercise great care and caution in putting in insulating materials, bearing in mind the example of a school in Southend which has been out of action for nine months because of fumes from such material?

Dr. Boyson

I am well aware of the problems of that school. The papers on that subject arrived on my desk some time ago. As my hon. Friend drew the attention of the House and the whole country to the matter at the time, I am sure that from now on everyone will bear the matter even more in mind.