HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc601-3W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what plans he has for building more primary schools in West Suffolk, especially in Haverhill and Bury St. Edmunds where new residents with young families are swelling the demand for places.

Mr. Redhead

A new primary school at Bury St. Edmunds is in the current year's programme and two at Haverhill in the programme for 1966–67. My right hon. Friend will consider any proposals for meeting further needs which the local education authority may submit to him for the 1967–68 and subsequent programmes.

Mr. Ennals

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what sums were allocated for school building in the County of Kent in each of the years 1961 to 1965; and what is the sum for 1966.

Mr. Redhead

The information is as follows:

Year Major Building Programme Minor Building Programme
(£000s) (£000s)
1961–62 1,431 608
1962–63 2,004
1963–64 1,337 260
1964–65 1,842 370
1965–66 2,440 580
1966–67 2,877 625

The figures for 1961–62 to 1964–65 relate to the county area as it was before the operation of the London Government Act, 1963. The figures for 1965–66 and 1966–67 relate to the "new" county only.

Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now publish the complete building programme for the County of Norfolk for 1967–68.

Mr. Redhead

The complete building programme for 1967–68 has not yet been allocated. My right hon. Friend is this week inviting authorities to submit their proposals for major projects in the second instalment for schools. Proposals for the further education programme are now being considered and those for the youth service will shortly be invited.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much of the total school building programmes announced for the period 1967–70 will be special schools.

Mr. Denis Howell

Probably about £13 million, but it is too early to say definitely.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give separate figures for the major and minor building programmes for schools for the period 1967–70.

Mr. Redhead

These will be announced in due course.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much of the total school building programme announced for the period 1967–70 will be for replacements and improvements.

Mr. Redhead

This next round of programmes will be dominated by the need to build new school places to keep pace with the rising population and the Government's larger housing programme, and for raising the school leaving age. Nevertheless the programmes allow a margin for improvements and replacements over and above what is needed to provide new places. Until my right hon. Friend receives authorities' proposals he cannot say precisely what proportion of the programme will be devoted to improvements for their own sake as well as improvements incidental to meeting basic needs.