Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in Education Settings

Debate between Gillian Keegan and Catherine West

Monday 4th September 2023 Commons Chamber

[Gillian Keegan]

The responsible bodies are typically the local authority or the multi-academy trust, but it is fair to say that we have recently changed our approach to become more directly involved, to make sure we help schools and responsible bodies to move quickly on this issue.

[Catherine West (Hornsey and Wood Green) (Lab)]

I put on record my thanks to Hornsey School for Girls and the local authority, which do have a plan for students to return safely to school. My question is whether the money that was intended for the neighbouring schools—Fortismere, which is riddled with asbestos, and Highgate Wood School, which is desperate for a new sports hall as its current one is crumbling and Dickensian—will be used for Hornsey School for Girls? Is one part of the budget just going to be raided so that it can prop up a failing Government, a failing education service and a failing Education Department?

[Gillian Keegan]

I do not agree with the last couple of comments, but if the school has already been confirmed for the school rebuilding programme, that will continue.