HC Deb 16 April 1953 vol 514 cc371-2
47. Mr. Hollis

asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the future of Roundway House, Devizes.

Miss Horsbrugh

The local education authority for Wiltshire have fully considered the future of Roundway House and have reached the conclusion that it should be sold. I have informed the authority that I am prepared to consider favourably this proposal.

48. Mr. Hollis

asked the Minister of Education what sum of public money has been spent in the purchase and subsequent upkeep of Roundway House, Devizes.

Miss Horsbrugh

The cost of purchase was £7,500. The gross cost of upkeep, including cost of necessary repairs, for the four years ending 31st March, 1952, totalled £10,134, but the cost to public funds was reduced by letting.

Mr. Hollis

Was not this a very odd purchase by the Ministry of Education in the time of the last Government, for which my right hon. Friend was in no way responsible—the purchase of Round-way House for a teachers' training college when apparently it was highly unsuitable for that purpose and could not be used?

Miss Horsbrugh

It is quite clear from the figures I have now given that it was unfortunate that this purchase was made.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the Minister reposing her confidence in the same advisers who advised the previous Minister on that transaction?

Miss Horsbrugh

I could not tell the hon. Gentleman who actually advised my predecessor about this, but I can assure him that I shall look very, very carefully into the matter when purchases of this sort have to be made in future.