§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated effect on central Government receipts and expenditure of the proposed opening of two city technology colleges in the London borough of Wandsworth; and what is the effect on the central Government capital and other allocations for Wandsworth of the proposed reorganisation of secondary schools in Wandsworth.
§ Mr. MacGregorI am currently considering a proposal from ADT plc for the establishment of a city technology college in Wandsworth, which has been the subject of consultation with the local authority and others with an interest. Should I decide in favour of the proposal, I would be prepared to fund up to 80 per cent. of the capital costs and to meet all normal running costs thereafter.
I am aware that the London borough of Wandsworth intends to publish a consultation document on its secondary reorganisation proposals, which include the establishment of a voluntary aided school with CTC characteristics. If such a school were to be established, it would be treated as any other voluntary aided school in relation to bids for central Government contributions towards capital expenditure; and, correspondingly, capital bids for county schools would be treated in the normal way.