INDEPENDENT FIGURES SHOW SNP OPENS MORE SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND THAN LABOUR

INDEPENDENT FIGURES SHOW SNP OPENS MORE SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT SCOTLAND THAN LABOUR

CONTRAST WITH LABOUR'S SCHOOL CLOSURE PROGRAMME IN GLASGOW

Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris has welcomed the publication of independent figures by the Scottish Parliament library (Spice) which reveal that 200 new or refurbished schools have been delivered since the SNP Government took office in May 2007.

The figures show that 200 new or refurbished schools were delivered between April 2007 and March 2009 and the Scottish Government's own figures show that a further 36 have been built since then - a total of 236 which compares with 205 during the 4 years of the previous Labour/LibDem Executive.

This record contrasts with that of Labour-run Glasgow Council who have closed 11 primary schools and nine nurseries across the city.

Commenting on the figures Mr Doris, a former teacher, said:

"These figures totally demolish Labour's typically dishonest approach to politics. The independent facts speak for themselves and they show that it is the SNP which is outpacing Labour's record on building and refurbishing new schools.

"What a contrast this is with Labour's record in Glasgow where they close schools. A fact that will be repeated again and again to the voters of Glasgow North East.

"Labour bequeathed Scotland a crumbling school estate which is now finally improving under the SNP.

"The Labour/LibDem school building programme was condemned by Audit Scotland for failing to meet its aims and for not even knowing which schools needed rebuilt.

"That is why the SNP announced a new school building programme to lift 100,000 children out of poor quality schools.

"Today's figures finally expose the hypocrisy of Labour's Glasgow MSPs who want to support a council which closes schools.

"After 8 years of Labour - Lib Dem control Scotland's school estate is finally improving under the SNP with more children being taught in good quality schools."