HC Deb 14 November 1974 vol 881 cc225-7W
Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the number of children in the county of Cheshire who are being educated in sub-standard or temporary accommodation, and on the extent of congestion being experienced in Cheshire schools through lack of new schools or deferments in the school building programme.

Mr. Armstrong

My Department does not collect information in this form. It is estimated, however, from information supplied by the former Cheshire authority in 1973–74, that approximately 30,000 children of primary age, 23 per cent. of the total, are in schools built before 1903. Figures relating to the former Cheshire county area for 1973–74 indicate that there were that year just over 17,000 secondary school pupils in temporary accommodation—19 per cent. of the total.

My right hon. Friend appreciates that there is some overcrowding in certain schools, especially in the area of Runcorn New Town. The authority has in recent years received substantial allocations for school building.

Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what applications for new school buildings he has under consideration for Cheshire; and what consents he expects to be able to give to assist in providing for the increased number of school-age children.

Mr. Armstrong

My right hon. Friend has already announced a lump sum authorisation of £4,745,000 for major school building projects to meet basic need in Cheshire for the period 1st July 1974 to 30th June 1975. The local authority also has an allocation of £1,170,000 for minor works during the same period, including £190,000 allocated last week.

The authority submitted eight proposals for primary improvement/ replacement projects under the terms of Circular 10/74. These have now been considered and my Department wrote to the authority on 7th November informing it that two of these projects—at Runcorn, All Saints' C. of E. Aided Primary School, and Crewe, Beech Street County Junior School—have been accepted for this limited programme.

Resources for 1975–76 and subsequent years have yet to be determined. I am, however, aware of the growing school population in Cheshire and this will be taken into account when the allocations are made.