§ 17. Dr. George TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to address the backlog of building improvements and replacement required by state schools. [147922]
§ Jacqui SmithInvestment in school buildings over the next three years will total £7.8 billion. This is in addition to over £2 billion being invested in school buildings this year. By 2003–04, this will rise to £3.2 billion a year. This contrasts with the £683 million spent in 1996–97. It means that 650 schools will be completely rebuilt or refurbished; over 7,000 schools will have major repairs; every school will have a share of £1 billion for capital improvements.