HC Deb 01 June 1933 vol 278 cc2043-4
16. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the average cost per place for the building of secondary schools which come under the Board's administration?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)

Since the War, building costs have shown such wide variations and have depended so largely upon particular local factors as well as upon the size of the school, the method of construction, and the amount of special accommodation provided, that it is not possible to give any reliable general figures.

Mr. LAWSON

Does that apply to individual schools?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I will give the figures of individual schools if the hon. Member will put down a question.

Mr. HICKS

Does the Minister agree that, with building costs down so low, it is time to review the situation?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I believe that building costs have decreased.

19. Mr. LAWSON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the cost per place for the building of the new secondary school in Sunderland?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The final statement of costs of the new premises of the Bede Collegiate Schools, Sunderland, has not yet been received, but on the basis of estimates the cost per place of the buildings will be £94. If the cost of the land, equipment and other incidental expenses are included the cost per place will be £126.

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Can the hon. Gentleman say why it costs so much more to build a school than to build a home?