It is good to see that Oxfordshire County Council approved the installation of a sprinkler system in a new science block at the Marlborough School in Woodstock.

The Conservative administration at County Hall was prompted into drawing up a policy where all new schools have sprinklers fitted, unless they are deemed a low risk.

But no sooner had this good work been achieved than Michael Waine, the county councillor responsible for schools improvement, said "this does not mean other sprinkler systems will be fitted", because it would cost too much money.

Fitting sprinkler systems in buildings will not guard against ravaging fires, of course not.

But many people reading our report today will surely think they should be the first thing installed in new school buildings.