asked the Minister of Education what is the area of the land adjoining South Hornchurch council school which the Essex County Council has decided to acquire for £1,800 to provide another department to the school; and at what value this land has been assessed for local taxation.

The area of the land in question is one acre, one rood, 16 poles: the land being agricultural land has not been rated at all. I understand that the land is not being purchased immediately but has been scheduled by the local planning authority for educational purposes.