asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will now authorise a further increase in the minor works programmes for schools and colleges.

All local education authorities were informed on 2nd December that I hoped that they would start in 1972–73 up to half of their minor works allocations for 1973–74.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will authorise local authority schemes for the improvement or replacement of maintained secondary schools in the development areas, and in particular in South Shields.

My right hon. Friend has already told local education authorities that she hopes that they will bring forward to 1972–73 up to half of their minor works allocations for 1973–74 as a means of stimulating investment in areas of high unemployment.