HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 c1195
40. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education what contribution her Department will make towards the cost of the 20 acres of land in Lady Mary Road, Cardiff, which has been purchased by the Cardiff City Education Committee at a cost of £800 per acre.

Miss Horsbrugh

So far as I am aware the purchase of this site has not been completed. If I am able to approve the purchase of the site the loan charges incurred by the local education authority will be taken into account for main grant under the Education (Local Authorities) Grant Regulations, 1952.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that I am advised that the town clerk states that the authority has entered into a firm contract out of which they cannot wriggle; that they entered into this contract without knowing the price of the land; and that they are now blaming the Government's Town and Country Planning alteration for the increased cost? Will she look into the matter again?

Miss Horsbrugh

My information was that it was understood that the Cardiff local education authority were negotiating the purchase of this site preparatory to submitting a proposal for ministerial approval; but I will certainly look into the matter again.