§ 20. Mr. Odeyasked the Minister of Education what was the original estimate of the cost of Longcroft Secondary School, Beverley; what has been the total expenditure to date; what is the present estimate of the total expenditure for completion; what is the total number of children for which this school will cater; and how the cost per capita compares with similar schools before the war.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe original estimate of the cost of this school, made in advance of the taking out of quantities, was £196,533. It has now been virtually completed, and the estimated final cost is £271,650. On the basis of 680 places, the net cost per place, excluding adult accommodation and also site layout, fencing, roads and playing fields, is £350. No similar schools were built before the war but the cost of a new senior elementary school was usually about £80 per place.
§ Mr. OdeyIn view of the housing shortage, is it not possible to reduce the scale of expenditure on this type of school without lowering the standard of education provided?
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe hon. Gentleman is asking me to do something which we did 12 months ago.