§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many demountable classrooms or other temporary buildings are used for teaching at schools in the Colchester area; what is the age of the oldest such classroom; and what plans he has to replace them with permanent classrooms; [13697]
32W(2) how many schools in England and Wales are comprised solely of demountable classrooms; and if he will make a statement. [13698]
§ Mr. ByersThe information sought is not collected centrally.
The Government is concerned about the condition of many school premises. We have already begun to address the repairs and maintenance backlog. The Prime Minister announced on 30 September that £115 million would be spent by the end of this financial year. Over 2,000 schools will benefit. By the end of this Parliament, we expect an additional £2 billion to be spent as a result of the New Deal for Schools.