§ 29. Mr. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the value of new school building under construction in November, 1951; and the value of that authorised since that date.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIt is not possible to state the value of educational building in progress at any particular 753 date, but it is estimated that, when completed, the value of educational buildings under construction at the end of November, 1951, will be £12 million. Since then, work to the estimated value of £3,657,000 has been allowed to start.
§ Mr. RossBut is it not clear that, in spite of the efforts of local education committees to look after the long-term aspect, particularly in Scotland, and to deal with an expected crisis in secondary school places, the effect of the Government's policy is that that crisis will come in about five years' time?
§ Mr. StewartThere are other elements which might bear upon the problem in a different way, as the hon. Gentleman knows.
§ Mr. RossIs it not the case that the local education authorities are pressing for the starting of further schemes and that the Government are holding them back and denying them permission?
§ Mr. StewartThat is true, but the main reason holding them back is the shortage of steel and other materials. If there were not a shortage of steel and other materials we should be glad to push forward.