HC Deb 08 March 1965 vol 708 cc31-2W
Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what cuts were made in school building proposals submitted by Cumberland County Council Authority between 1959 and 1964; and whether he will restore a greater part of these cuts in the near future.

Mr. Crosland

For the five major building programmes from 1962–63 to 1966–67 which were announced between 1959 and 1964 the Cumberland local education authority submitted 27 projects at an estimated cost of £2.89 million; 16 projects valued at £1.96 million were approved. I shall consider the needs of the Cumberland authority carefully when I come to make announcements about future building programmes.

Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the number of schools in Cumberland lacking inside toilets, running hot water, playground, library and assembly hall.

Mr. Crosland

I understand from the local education authority that 152 maintained schools in Cumberland have toilets which are mainly outside, 24 have no running hot water, two have no playground and 39 schools with more than 100 pupils have no assembly hall. Most schools in the county are served by the County Library Service.

Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many nursery schools or nursery classes there are in Cumberland.

Mr. Crosland

One maintained nursery school and two nursery classes in maintained primary schools, in January, 1964.

Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will commence an inquiry into the need for nursery classes or schools in the Millom and West Cumberland area.

Mr. Crosland

No. This would be a matter for the local education authority, but as a general expansion of nursery provision is not possible at present there would be little purpose in such an inquiry.