§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the standards of science laboratory furbishment in schools. [82491]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeDecisions on how best to refurbish science laboratories in schools rest with individual local education authorities and governing bodies. Since the Election, we have provided an additional £680 million for specific improvements to school buildings through the New Deal for Schools programme. £9.5 million of the £340 million allocated through the New Deal for Schools in March 1999 was for improvements to science laboratories. The Department provides guidance in its 1995 publication, 'Science Accommodation in Secondary Schools: A Design Guide'. This is currently being updated.