HC Deb 09 December 1954 vol 535 c1107
36. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education if he will raise at once the permitted cost per place of new school buildings.

Sir D. Eccles

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on 25th November.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that Ministerial adjustments to the permitted costs lag behind the constant rise in the cost of labour and materials for building, and that many areas, especially those adopting the type of construction which his own Ministry has recommended, find it difficult to get their costs inside the permitted figures?

Sir D. Eccles

My impression is rather different. I think that improvements in building, which have been admirable, have in many cases allowed the increase in normal building costs to be absorbed, and that the present limits are all right.

Dr. King

May I assure the Minister, from my own experience on a local education authority, that that is not so?