HC Deb 13 May 1952 vol 500 cc1104-5
6. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent shortages of steel and building trade workers are likely to retard the school building programme in the coming year; and what steps he is taking to remedy the situation.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Buildings now under erection will proceed normally. Urgent new buildings not involving steel will not be affected by the shortages referred to by the hon. Member. New buildings which do involve steel may, however, have their starts delayed by six months or more. The causes of the shortages of steel and building workers are outwith the control of my right hon. Friend, but he is co-operating with the education authorities to secure that the available resources are used where they are most needed.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the Minister inform the House how much steel Scotland is likely to get for the school building programme from the steel which we hope to get from the United States? Also, can he tell us whether the Scottish Department are represented on the inter-Departmental committee which deals with the allocation of steel generally?

Mr. Stewart

I could not answer the first point without notice. The answer to the second part of the question is, I think, "Yes."

Mr. Woodburn

While appreciating the fact that the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend is to allocate these buildings to places where they are most needed, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to take into account the great need of these developing places such as Glenrothes, East Kilbride and the big new housing centres, to ensure that transport is not used to take people back to the old schools but that these new centres have schools of their own?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. The Fife County Council, to give an example, are, I think, reasonably satisfied with their present arrangements.