asked the Minister for Education the plans he has for bringing the grants in respect of heating, lighting and maintenance of primary schools up to a realistic level.

The provision in the current year's Estimates for these purposes is £3,200,000, an increase of 230 per cent on the provision in 1974. I am satisfied that the increased provision will bring the grants for individual schools to a realistic level, to use the Deputy's phrase.

When will the second payment in 1975 be made?

If our policy in regard to these schools and the present rate of progress are maintained I would expect the second payment to be made towards the end of this year. October is the target I have set myself.