HC Deb 04 December 1989 vol 163 cc17-8W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many times since 1979 Her Majesty's inspectors of education have visited Bradford and Ilkley community college; how many times their reports have drawn attention to inadequate accommodation; and what action has been taken;

(2) what location for new accommodation for Bradford college is identified in the bid submitted by Bradford local education authority to replace accommodation lost to Bradford college by vacating the Alexandra hotel building; and if he will make a statement;

(3) what representations he has received from students and others about inadequate accommodation at Bradford college.

Mr. Jackson

The Bradford and Ilkley community college has been visited by HMI on many occasions since it was created in 1982 but most of those visits will not have resulted in a report. There have, however, been four inspections of parts of the college's provision since HMI reports were published in 1983. As is usual all include an assessment of the adequacy and sufficiency of the teaching and other accommodation. Copies of the reports are sent to the authority for its consideration.

The bid from Bradford LEA for a major building project to start in 1990–91 proposes to replace the Alexandra hotel building by converting the Westbrook building on the same site. The bid will be considered on its merits along with those from other education authorities, and allocations will be announced later this month.

The hon. Member recently wrote to my right hon. Friend enclosing a press release and representations from students in respect of accommodation at Bradford and Ilkley community college. My right hon. Friend has not received any other representations this year on this matter.