Mr. Smithers:

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware of the need for a new secondary school in Romsey to provide for the surrounding villages of Lockerley, Michelmersh, Sherfield English and West Tytherley, and to replace the existing temporary provision for children from Romsey, Ampfield, Crampmoor and Braishfield; and whether he will now authorise the building of such a school.

Yes, Sir. I will authorise the building of a new secondary school in Romsey as soon as the authority are ready to start.

Mr. Smithers:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his answer will cause the greatest satisfaction to those with children and to those responsible for school management in the Romsey area?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Romsey secondary school is a temporary building, dating back to 1920, that Romsey is one of a number of bad areas in Hampshire, and that we shall welcome everything that the Minister does to co-operate with the Hampshire Education Committee in bringing secondary education to all the children in Hampshire?

It is now up to the Hampshire Education Committee to bring proposals to me.