§ 9. Mr. LitherlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Education when he last met the Association of Metropolitan Authorities to discuss the state of school buildings.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, in the absence of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, met representatives of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities on 20 July 1993 to discuss a number of issues, including the state of school buildings. Ministers and officials continue to meet representatives of the local authority associations on a regular basis.
§ Mr. LitherlandThe Minister will be aware that local education authorities wanted to spend £1.5 billion on a three-year programme just to bring schools up to an acceptable standard. As large authorities such as Manchester want to spend—or need to spend—£1 billion over 10 years, does he agree that the situation is not only deplorable but potentially dangerous? Is not he ashamed of the Government's attitude to the well-being of our teachers and children?
§ Mr. ForthI can confirm that most local authorities seem to want to spend more money most of the time, but that is nothing very new. The hon. Gentleman and the House should be aware that the National Audit Office report of 1991 said that many schools were in an acceptable or better state of decoration and repair and that schools were safe places in which to learn and work. It estimated that some £2 billion, at 1990 prices, was required to put schools to rights. I can confirm that £2 billion of capital expenditure was spent between 1986–87 and 1989–90 and that about the same amount again will be spent over current years. Efficient authorities can ensure that their schools are fit places in which to be taught, and I hope that they will all do so.