HC Deb 03 June 1954 vol 528 cc112-3W
82. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education the amount requested by each local education authority for their building programme in the current year in accordance with the provisions of Circular 245; and the actual amount allocated to each authority by her Department for the same year.

Miss Horsbrugh

Owing to the different forms in which authorities express their needs, no significant comparison can be made between amounts requested and allocated for each authority's building programme. I settle each programme, where necessary after discussion with the authority, by reference to the size and urgency of their need for additional school accommodation, and the practicability of carrying out a programme of a given size.

83. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether she is satisfied that the essential requirements of Circular 245 can be met by local education authorities within the limits of the building programme allocated to them by her Department; and what guidance she proposes to give local education authorities concerning those areas where there will not be sufficient accommodation for the children.

Miss Horsbrugh

In general, "Yes," but where local difficulties arise I shall be ready to consider with the authority concerned what special action is needed. This will obviously depend on the circumstances of the particular case.