Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the permanent toilets in West Winds primary school, Newtownards became inoperative; how many days this school has been closed due to lack of toilet facilities; whether a report has been received about the subsidence of the grounds in the school precincts; whether the foul sewage system at the school has been fractured; when a permanent toilet facility will be restored at the school; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe permanent toilets became inoperative on 6 October 1986. The school has been closed for seven days in all—five days in October 1986 and two in January 1987. A consultant's report on the subsidence was received by the South-Eastern education and library board on 15 January 1987. Some of the334W connections to the main drains at the school site have been fractured. A precise date for the restoration of the permanent toilet facility cannot be given at present, but the board is urgently drawing up a schedule of works with a view to determining what remedial action can be taken. In the meantime 20 per cent, of the permanent toilet block has been restored to use and the board has made additional provision in the form of temporary toilets to ensure that sufficient facilities are available for the staff and pupils.