HC Deb 13 October 1975 vol 897 cc595-6W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what applications he has received for the funds he has set aside specifically to assist the reorganisation of secondary education on a comprehensive basis; and what criteria he is applying to its distribution.

Mr. Mulley

So far 26 local education authorities in England have submitted bids to a total value of about £20.8 million, and a further 30 have indicated that they intend to apply. Circular 8/75 stated that projects must either enable reorganisation to proceed which could not be implemented in any other way and for which no other educationally acceptable scheme can be devised, or enable reorganisation to be fully effective in educational terms by the provision of essential accommodation, for example, for science teaching. In either case projects must be such that all necessary expenditure can be completed by 31st March 1978. In naming eligible projects I shall wish to see the resources used to maximum effect to enable authorities to get on more quickly with the full and effective development of comprehensive reorganisation.