HC Deb 30 June 1938 vol 337 cc2110-1
39. Mr. Ede

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what has been the average cost of gymnasia provided for secondary and elementary schools, respectively, during the last convenient period, differentiating between the cost of a gymnasium included in a school at the time of building the school and one built subsequently as a separate contract?

Mr. Lindsay

In general for gymnasia of the same size there is no difference in cost as between secondary and elementary schools. During the last 12 months, the average cost of a gymnasium of the usual brick construction has varied between £3,500 and £4,400, according to size. With regard to the last part of the question, however, the board have not had enough experience to enable them to give any reliable figures.

Mr. Ede

Is the hon. Member aware of the tendency for the cost of these buildings to increase, and is that due to a rise in building costs or to the additional requirements of the Board?

Mr. Lindsay

There have been no additional requirements by the Board recently.