asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the urgent need for the provision of facilities for secondary education in the industrial district of Bedlingtonshire, Northumberland, and of the unanimous resolution passed by the county council in favour of the establishment of the school; whether the Board of Education has refused to sanction the purchase of the site; and whether, having regard to the fact that it can now be purchased on advantageous terms, he will reconsider that decision even if it is necessary, under existing financial circumstances, to defer approval of the erection of the buildings?

In view of the somewhat altered circumstances, I am prepared to sanction the acquisition of the site, provided that the Board are satisfied as to the purchase money, it being part of the understanding that building is postponed.