HC Deb 17 November 1938 vol 341 cc1054-6
67. Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what amount of saving on capital expenditure is contemplated arising out of the restrictions imposed on local education authorities by Circular 1464 for the current financial year?

Mr. Lindsay

It is estimated on the experience of recent years that the saving in the 5½ months in the current financial year during which the circular will be in operation should be about £750,000. The hon. Member will understand that this sum would have been raised by loan and accordingly that the saving to the Exchequer and rates would be of the order of £41,000 per annum for the period of the loan.

68. Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the restriction on capital expenditure on the provision of secondary education, outlined in Circular 1464, applies to schemes which have been sanctioned, but not commenced, as well as to schemes which have not been sanctioned?

Mr. Lindsay

The restriction on capital expenditure on secondary schools announced in Circular 1464 does not apply to schemes which have received the final approval of the Board of Education.

Mr. Mander

Does the hon. Member realise that the effect of this circular has been seriously to interfere with the development of one of the social services, namely, education, and will he take steps to alter it if that is not the intention of the Government?

Mr. Lindsay

I would like to point out to my hon. Friend that a redirection of expenditure must not be confused with a reduction of expenditure.

Mr. Tomlinson

Are the schemes that have been submitted and sanctioned, but for which tenders have not been let, liable to curtailment, or are only schemes that have not yet been submitted affected?

Mr. Lindsay

Each case is being treated on its merits. If the hon. Gentleman will read the circular he will find that it is precisely for that reason that it is worded to cover every variety of circumstances.

Mr. Tomlinson

In order to further the Government's economy—although I do not want to do so—may I ask whether the work can be stopped now rather than that it should be continued without the possibility of sanction, that is to say, work which has been going on for some time and not completed?

Mr. Lindsay

I do not think there is any intention of stopping work in progress. There is no question of curtailing the educational services.

Mr. Tomlinson

What about work in the drawing office which has been going on for months?