Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Education what has been the cost to date to his Department and the local authorities in connection with the Penoyre School, Breconshire; what is the total estimated cost of this school, with equipment; when was the place taken over; the date on which building or readaptation was commenced; the reasons for such delay; and the date the school is likely to be opened.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe total expenditure so far approved by me for purchase and adaptation of Penoyre for a boarding special school for 60 delicate children, to be jointly provided by the Breconshire, Radnorshire and Merthyr Tydfil local education authorities, is £33,836, on which the Exchequer grant will be £21,640. Equipment is estimated by the local education authorities as likely to cost a212W further £9,550, but this item is still being considered by them. The building was purchased in 1948, but I was not then able to include the work of adaptation in the 1949 building programme. The authorities were informed in July, 1949, that it would be included in the programme of work to be started in 1950. The preparation and revision of plans and obtaining of tenders by the authorities took longer than might have been expected, and work did not actually begin till February, 1951. I understand that it is likely to be finished by the end of the year.