§ 107. Mr. Odeyasked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that 44 acres of good dairy farm land at Preston, East Yorkshire, are to be acquired for the purpose of providing playing-fields for the new Hedon Preston Secondary School; whether he will give consideration to the acquisition of an alternative site on Hedon Racecourse which would interfere less with food production and avoid depriving one of the two farmers concerned of his livelihood; and whether he will consult with the Minister of Agriculture before reaching a final decision.
§ Mr. TomlinsonI have approved the purchase of this site which is required not only for playing fields but also for a proposed secondary school, the erection of which is expected to begin this year. Only some two-thirds of the land is immediately required for educational purposes and the provincial land commissioner, who was consulted in accordance with usual practice, has agreed to its use. The alternative site suggested was considered and found unsuitable.