asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made in discussions to ensure that adequate educational and recreational facilities are provided in Redditch to keep pace with its expansion as a new town.

Work is about to start on the plan for the town. The Development Corporation and its planning consultants will shortly be arranging discussions with the local authorities concerned. The importance of educational and recreational provision is appreciated.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but will he bear in mind that there is a tendency in new towns for there to be a high proportion of young married people which creates a higher proportionate demand for school places than is found in ordinary towns?

That is a consideration which will not be lost upon us.