asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the ceiling for expenditure for the minor works programme for Leicestershire for 1971–72 has been fixed at £308,000, a lower figure than the previous year, in view of that authority's application for more than three times that sum for the provision of indoor toilets, halls, staff rooms, playgrounds, playing fields and other amenities.

This allocation was made by the last Government. Leicestershire's allocation for 1972–73, which my right hon. Friend has just announced, is £330,000, the same as in 1970–71.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what authority the Leicestershire County Council is using funds authorised for its minor works programme for its major works programme.

Each local authority can decide how to use its allocation for minor works costing up to £30,000 each, including projects designed to provide extra teaching accommodation where a major project would not be appropriate.