asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they gave Shropshire County Council an extension of one month to put in its capital resources bid for primary schools. [HL5399]

No formal extension was granted. We invited every local authority to prepare a strategic plan for capital investment across its primary school estate in consultation with local stakeholders. We asked for all the plans to be submitted to the department by 16 June 2008. Shropshire County Council officers advised my officials that, because of the need for further local consultation, Shropshire would not be able to meet this deadline. The plan was received on 19 August. The department will notify local authorities of the outcome of assessment shortly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the quality of local consultation regarding Shropshire County Council's capital resources bid for primary schools; and whether the process of policy development which underpinned the capital bid was properly carried out. [HL5400]

As a condition of funding for the primary capital programme, we asked every local authority to develop and agree with my department a strategic plan setting out how the programme will support national policies and local priorities. Local authorities' strategies are currently being assessed against the detailed guidance issued on 6 December 2007. Among other things, this guidance emphasised the need for local consultation. The department will notify local authorities of the outcome of assessment shortly.