§ Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps she is taking to assist the schools in the Portsmouth area to cater for the increase in the demand for school places as a result of the return of Forces' families from Malta to the Portsmouth district.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI understand that about 50 families returned to married quarters in Gosport, Hampshire. Of some 40 children of school age, only five are known to be attending Portsmouth schools and the rest are in the county. The Portsmouth and Hampshire local education authorities, which are responsible in the first instance for providing school places, have not reported any problems on this account. If the situation should change my right hon. Friend will consider any request from the authorities for an increase in their minor works al locations.