HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 cc794-5
18. Mr. M. MacPherson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what economies are intended in the school building programme for 1952.

Commander Galbraith

Owing to the shortage of steel, there will be a slowing down, in 1952, of the start of new school buildings, but every effort will be made to carry on work already in progress as quickly as possible. My right hon. Friend proposes to issue a circular on the school building situation, and a copy will be sent to the hon. Member.

Mr. MacPherson

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman and the Secretary of State keep in mind that even in an atmosphere of cuts and economies a policy has already been suggested in England for making some additional provision for urgent technical education, and will the Minister bear that in mind when he is considering Scottish school and college building?

Commander Galbraith

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Rankin

Will the Minister keep in mind that the Glasgow education authority is already working on what is re- garded in official circles as a minimum school building programme, and that any further threatened reduction in that programme will create chaos in education in the City of Glasgow?

Commander Galbraith

I am aware of the situation.

Mr. Ross

Will the Minister say, first, how many school places will be lost this year by this undesirable axing of the school programme, and second, what effect it will have on secondary places in about three years' time?

Commander Galbraith

That is quite a different question from the one on the Order Paper.

Mr. Ross

Surely when these cuts were first brought in the Government had something to work on?

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware of the need for coal production, and can he tell the House whether or not this cut in building for education will affect adversely the development of mining areas such as Fife?

Commander Galbraith

I have already said that it is not a cut: it is a slowing down.