HC Deb 23 February 1994 vol 238 cc257-8W
Mr. Raynsford

To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) if he will set out the criteria used by his Department in assessing priorities for grant aid for major projects at(a) voluntary-aided and (b) grant-maintained schools for 1994–95;

(2) if he will list (a) the schools and (b) the amounts awarded in grant aid for major projects at (i) voluntary-aided and (ii) grant-maintained schools in each education authority in England in 1994–95.

Mr. Forth

The following criteria were applied in determining how capital resources should be allocated for major projects at voluntary-aided and grant-maintained schools in 1994–95Voluntary-aided schools Commitments arising from projects allowed for in previous capital allocations; New projects to provide additional school places in areas of population growth (basic need); New projects to implement cost-effective schemes to remove surplus places; and Improvement work to the extent that the remaining resources allowed. Grant-maintained schools Commitments arising from projects allowed for in previous capital allocations; Major repairs and other work required on priority health and safety grounds; Bids for projects involving work required to implement the national curriculum; New projects to provide additional school places in areas of population growth (basic need); Work involving access for the disabled.

The amounts awarded in grant aid for major projects to voluntary aided and self-governing schools in each education authority are set out in press notices 427/93 dated 17 December 1993 and 425/93 dated 16 December 1993 respectively. Copies of these notices have been placed in the Library.

An announcement about those schools which became self-governing between October 1993 and January 1994 will be made during March 1994.