I WAS puzzled by Conservative councillor Peter Baillie's complaint (Letters, April 3) that I was claiming credit for something he had done (bringing forward the Building Schools for the Future programme) when he was briefly in charge of the city's schools.

For him to claim that it was "done and dusted'' under his administration seems a little fanciful as the letter from Government Minister Lord Adonis announcing the new funding was sent after Cllr Baillie's party had lost control of the council. Perhaps he should only claim credit for things he has actually done.

I have held several meetings with Lord Adonis over the past year about my concerns about the performance of Southampton's schools. I am very glad that he has now announced that the rebuilding and refurbishment of our secondary schools could be brought forward by three years to start in summer 2008. This funding is dependent on the city convincing the Government it can improve standards.

I believe our new council leadership will rise to that challenge.

JOHN DENHAM, MP for Southampton Itchen.