§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the concern felt by the people of West Ham and the Education Committee of the County Borough of West Ham at his decision to cut the 441W council's school-building programme; what programme was envisaged by the council between the present time and 1968; what programme he has allowed; and whether he will agree to meet a deputation from the Education Committee to discuss this matter.
§ Mr. ChatawayMy right hon. and learned Friend is aware of local concern, but for the reason he gave in his reply to the hon. Member for Faversham (Mr. Boston) yesterday he cannot accept the description of the non-selection of projects as cuts in the programme. The West Ham Local Education Authority submitted projects worth £586,000 for 1965–66, £615,000 for 1966–67 and £338,000 for 1967–68. Programmes for the first two years have so far been announced: £51,000 for 1965–66 and £64,000 for 1966–67. He will consider any request the Authority might make that a deputation should be received.