Written question asked by Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 6 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 April 2000. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 April 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how many temporary classrooms there are in schools in (a) Somerset and (b) the Yeovil constituency; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures and fact that the information requested is not held centrally.

Answer: Mr. Ashdown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many temporary classrooms there are in schools in (a) Somerset and (b) the Yeovil constituency; and if he will make a statement. [118640] Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not held centrally. While temporary classrooms perform a useful function in many schools, we are concerned about the length of time some units have been in use. That is why a substantial element of the latest round of the New Deal for Schools programme, which is being announced today, is being targeted at replacing with permanent accommodation those temporary classrooms which are in the poorest condition. Around £150 million is being allocated to support the removal of some 1,500 temporary classrooms.

Secondary information