Oral Answers to Questions

David Ward Excerpts

Monday 21st March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

We announced in December that the capital allocation for 2011-12 would be £800 million for basic need, £858 million for capital maintenance and £185 million for devolved capital, which amounts to £2 billion out of a £4.9 billion capital budget. The difference between those two figures covers the BSF commitments and an allocation for free schools.

[Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD)]

The proposed King’s Science Academy in Bradford—for which, miraculously, £10 million has been found—has described itself in its application as a “non-selective” school. Is the Secretary of State as surprised as I am that it has already started sifting applications for admission, and, according to its website, intends to use a “non-verbal reasoning test”?

[Mr Gibb]

I should be happy to take up that case. If my hon. Friend will write to me, I will respond immediately.