§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, when approving the building of new primary schools in London, she takes into account the environment of the area, and the danger to small children in highly industrialised districts from traffic hazards, etc.; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherPriority is given to the provision of new schools to meet increases in the school population. The planning of these schools is a matter for local authorities, which do their best to avoid congested or dangerous sites. In addition, resources are devoted to the improvement and replacement of unsatisfactory 19th century primary schools for which there is a long-term need. In determining which projects in this second category should be included in building programmes I take into account a number of factors, including the quality of the physical environment and the need to replace schools on inadequate, divided or dangerous sites.