asked the Minister for Education if his Department makes loans or grants available to secondary schools in respect of either (a) all-purpose school halls or (b) equipment for gymnastics in such halls; and if he will give details of any such scheme.
Written Answers. - Secondary School Grants.
158.
Dining/assembly areas, which may be termed all-purpose, are provided in all new secondary schools and in major extensions to secondary schools as part of the normal schedule of accommodation. My Department pay capital grants in respect of these areas in accordance with the rules governing the payment of grants to secondary schools. My Department operate a scheme for the payment of grants towards the cost of furnishing and equipping rooms in secondary schools for the teaching of certain subjects, including physical education. Provision is made for the payment of—
(a) a capital grant for the furnishing and/or equipping of a room not already furnished or equipped or a room which is inadequately furnished or equipped, and
(b) a grant for the renewal or replacement of equipment.
The level of grant is 70 per cent of vouched approved expenditure subject in the case of the capital grant to a maximum of £530. There is no specified fixed upper limit to the amount of a renewal or replacement grant. A school seeking to obtain a grant must comply with the regulations laid down by my Department.