§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the amount of repair and maintenance work waiting to be done in Welsh schools; and if he will make a statement. [74902]
§ Mr. Hain[holding answer 5 March 1999]: The information requested is not held centrally.
I am fully aware of concerns expressed about the poor condition of many school buildings in Wales caused by under funding in previous years. We have moved quickly to assist local authorities by providing an additional £65 million over the lifetime of this Parliament for capital investment in schools; and we are maintaining, in cash terms, the normal capital allocations to local authorities for education for 1999–2000 at £43.939 million. Our plans provide nearly £200 million for capital expenditure in schools in Wales over the next three years.
Following the transfer of functions, this will become a matter for the National Assembly.