§ 5. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Education the cost of the 64 acres of land known as Nonnington College, near Eastry, in Kent; the cost of the furnishing and equipment; the cost of repairs and improvements; the cost of the building known as Old Court House; how much of the cost falls on the taxpayers: how much on the ratepayers; and, in view, of the need for economy in national and local government expenditure, what steps she is taking to stop expenditure of this nature.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe costs are: purchase of Nonnington College £23,820; furnishing and equipment £18,400; later improvements £4,920; purchase and adaptation of the Old Court House £18,266. 40 per cent. of these costs falls on rates and 60 per cent. on taxes.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that the alarming increase in rates and taxes must increase our cost of production and impede or destroy our ability to compete in the markets of the world? What is the good of having children and teachers in schools if they have nothing to eat? Will she try to stop achieving the impossible by trying to make Socialism work?
§ Miss HorsbrughThis college building and the Old Court House were bought in 1951, so I have no responsibility for that. But I can tell my hon. Friend that part of the site is 54.7 acres, not 64 acres, that part of the land has already been let for agricultural purposes and that the local education authority intend to let more land as soon as possible.
§ Miss HorsbrughIt is one of seven colleges which train women teachers in physical training education.