HC Deb 19 June 1952 vol 502 cc1546-7
40. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Education on what date it is proposed to commence the building of the Erith Grammar School.

The Minister of Education (Miss Florence Horsbrugh)

This school has been included in the revised 1952–53 school building programme, and there is now every prospect that it will be started in October.

Mr. Dodds

Was not the right hon. Lady more than a little naughty when in reply to a Question on 22nd November, she said that the erection of the building would commence on 1st April, and also in saying, when it was pointed out that there had been disappointments before: Where there have been disappointments in the past, we hope that those who were disappointed will find that they are now getting a better share of things"?—[OFFICIAL REPORT. 22nd November 1951; Vol. 494, c. 549.] Under the Labour Government it was to have started on 1st April. Was it not possible for this Government to have done the same?

Miss Horsbrugh

As the hon. Member has said, there have been several disappointments. I hope that he will not be disappointed in October, and that it will start then. It could not start in April, because there was not at that time sufficient steel. I can only hope that this is the hon. Member's last disappointment.

Mr. Dodds

I will wait until November, and see.

Mr. Jay

Has the Minister relaxed the ban on starting dates for new schools in London? I think that it was supposed to end in May.

Miss Horsbrugh

There is no ban on starting dates in the London area. There was a ban for three months, but that time has passed. The London area is in exactly the same position as other areas.