HC Deb 09 March 1972 vol 832 cc370-2W
Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the per capita figure for education expenditure authorised by her Department in Cumberland in the coming financial year.

Mr. van Straubenzee

With the exception of the capital cost of new buildings, expenditure on education in Cumberland does not require authorisation by my Department. Government support is through rate support grant, which relates to all services, including education, provided by the local authority.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what expenditure has been authorised by her Department in the current annual programme of Cumberland County Council for the building of new nursery schools; how many places will be provided in the county; and what are the proposals submitted for the coming financial year.

Mr. van Straubenzee

In January my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary approved the provision of 80 places in two nursery schools in Cumberland under the urban programme at a cost of about £34,000. This work is due to be completed by March, 1973. Local authorities will be invited shortly to propose further projects to start after that date.

Dr. John A. Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what expenditure has been

Local Education Authority Project Expected year of completion
Northumberland … … Cramlington County First School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … Amble, St. Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Primary School 1972–73
Northumberland … … Amble South County Primary School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … Throckley County Middle School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … Cramlington County Middle School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … Ponteland County High School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … Tweedmouth, Springhill Secondary School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … South Broomhill County Secondary School … … 1972–73
Newcastle-upon-Tyne … Cambridge Street Primary School … … 1972–73
Newcastle-upon-Tyne … … West Walker Primary School … … 1972–73
Northumberland … … Prudhoe, Eltringham County Primary School … … 1973–74
Northumberland … … Blythe, Tynedale Middle School … … 1973–74

The Department does not record details of minor projects.

Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what school buildings in the Northumberland area are considered unsatisfactory by her Department; and what action is being taken to rectify the position.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The only recent information available to the Department comprises a list of primary schools built before 1903 provided by the local education authority. All the schools on this list require replacement or major improvement and action is being taken as follows:

Approved for 1971–72 Programme (Authorised Starts)

  • Amble R.C. Primary.
  • Amble South County Primary.
  • Throckley County Infants.
  • Prudhoe Eltringham County Primary.
  • Chollerton C.E. Primary.
  • Bedlington and Whitley C.E. Primary.

authorised by her Department in the current annual programme of Cumberland County Council for the building of new primary schools; and what are the figures for the coming financial year.

Mr. van Straubenzee

£194,000 and £126,000.