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Written Parliamentary Questions: 21st March 2006

Classrooms

Q: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many classrooms in schools have been built under private finance initiative schemes; what the size is of each new classroom; what guidance she has issued on the minimum size of classroom; and if she will make a statement. (John Hemming)

A:The Department does not hold information specifically on the number or size of new classrooms in PFI schools. We produce non-statutory guidance on the overall size of schools and of individual classrooms in the form of Building Bulletins 98 and 99: 'Briefing Framework for Secondary School Projects' and 'Briefing Framework for Primary School Projects', respectively. The application of this guidance to individual projects is a matter for local decision-making, although the Department strongly encourages local authorities to follow the area guidelines set out in its Building Bulletins. (Jacqui Smith, Minister of State (Schools and 14-19 Learners), Department for Education and Skills)

Gas Imports

Q: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what increases in capacity to import gas are planned for winter 2006–07.(John Hemming)

A:There are currently three import projects due to commission for winter 2006–07. The projects are: the new Langeled pipeline from Norway, a new interconnector between Great Britain and the Netherlands and a further upgrade to the existing Interconnector between Great Britain and Belgium. The three projects when fully operational are expected to increase Great Britain's maximum daily import capacity by 133 million cubic metres. (Malcolm Wicks, Minister for energy, Department of Trade and Industry)

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