§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what applications have been made to him for financial assistance for the Pontville Residential School, in order to bring it up to acceptable modern child care standards; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArmstrongAn application was submitted to the Department in March 1972 by the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary for a capital grant towards improving the premises at this school for ESN boys. The cost was estimated by the Department at about £15,000. Before a decision had been reached on the rate of grant the Order substituted proposals to carry out extensive adaptations costing at least £160,000. Discussion with representatives of the Order in June 1973 showed that further thought would have to be given to the long-term future of the school; and in October 1973 the Order informed the Department that it did not wish to continue with the project because of its intention to close the school.