HC Deb 17 October 1989 vol 158 cc65-6W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the condition of the former Ballyoran primary school; when he received an application from Castlereagh borough council to take over this school; and when he proposes to make a decision.

Dr. Mawhinney

The premises of the former Ballyoran primary school, which are owned by the South-Eastern education and library board, are in a poor condition as a result of considerable vandalism.

The Department of Education first received an inquiry from Castlereagh borough council regarding the possibil-ity of grant-aid towards the purchase of the former Ballyoran primary school on 22 September 1987.

The Department has no objection to the acquisition by the council of these premises. However, the terms of the application; what is his planning decision; and what complaints have been received in relation to these premises in the past 12 months.

Mr. Needham

I have today written to the right hon. Gentleman giving the information requested.