§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in England and Wales are designated as comprehensive schools for each of the last 10 years; and what number is housed in purpose-built buildings.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe information is as follows:
Year (at January 1st) Total Number of comprehensive schools Number of purpose-built comprehensive schools 1961 138 81 1962 152 88 1963 175 96 1964 195 100 1965 262 110 1966 387 115 1967 508 118 1968 748 164 1969 962 206 1970 1,145 228 1971 1,373 228 There are 34 purpose-built comprehensive schools at present under construction.
§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which local education authorities have changed their proposals concerning comprehensive education following the issue of circular 10/70.
§ Mrs. ThatcherSince the issue of circular 10/70 three local education authorities (Burton-upon-Trent, Southend-on-Sea and Hastings) have withdrawn plans, which had previously been approved in principle, for the reorganisation of secondary schools on comprehensive lines.