HC Deb 09 November 1972 vol 845 cc229-30W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether, in view of the exceptional circumstances as explained in the communication from the Reverend Mother Prioress of the Saint Angela's Ursuline Convent School, under date of 26th October, sent to her by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, she will agree to the raising of the school-leaving age grant as awarded to be deferred until 1973–74;

(2) whether, in view of the exceptional circumstances connected with the case, affecting the Saint Angela's Ursuline Convent School, raising of the school leaving age grant and its possible withdrawal, she will take action to expedite the hearing of the appeal against the compulsory purchase order by the owner of 95 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E.7.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

My right hon. Friend hopes that an early date for the public inquiry about the compulsory purchase order can be arranged. If it proves impossible to start building work before the end of March, 1973, alternative arrangements will be made to enable the project to go forward next year.