HC Deb 18 May 1972 vol 837 cc159-60W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what basis she has allocated raising-of-school-leaving-age building allowances to the London Borough of Ealing.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The last Government's allocation of £497,300 (after allowing for subsequent increases in cost limits) to provide accommodation for the raising of the school leaving age was determined by the estimated number of pupils for whom additional places would be required as a result of RSLA. This estimate was based on the projected school population figures in the relevant age group, the current trends in voluntary staying-on at school, and the existing school accommodation in the Borough.

Hampshire, the county borough of Southampton and in the county borough of Portsmouth, respectively; and how the four figures compare as percentage increases.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The figures for maintained primary and secondary schools are as follows:—

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will consider adding to basic need school building allocations funds sufficient to replace temporary classrooms at schools where increased numbers of school places will be required permanently.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Not generally at present. Such additions would have to be charged against the resources available for improvements, and my right hon. Friend thinks it better to concentrate these on the improvement or replacement of sub-standard 19th century primary schools.