§ 31. Mr. Angus Maudeasked the Minister of Education whether he has considered the proposals from the London County Council to provide 850 extra places at Holloway secondary school at a cost of £370,000, or £435 per place, and 850 extra places at Parliament Hill secondary school at a cost of £395,000, or £465 per place; and whether he has yet reached his decision on these proposals.
§ Mr. HardmanThese schemes are still being considered and will have to be discussed further with the London County Council. I do not, however, accept the figures of cost per place stated in the Question.
§ Mr. MaudeIs the Minister aware that the only way in which the figures of cost per place can be made to look more favourable is by including in the sum the 510 pupils who are already in each of these existing school? Calculation that way simply means that we are writing off the existing cost of the buildings as nil?
§ Mr. HardmanYes. Sir, I am quite aware of that. The question of reducing the cost of these jobs is being taken up at present with the authorities concerned.