HC Deb 28 January 1954 vol 522 cc1940-1
8. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the results of her investigations into the expenditure, both capital and day-today, at the residential college at Lambton Castle

Miss Horsbrugh

I am satisfied that the amounts spent initially on the adaptation and equipment of the college were reasonable, and they had my approval. As the college was only opened last March it is too soon to form a judgment on the day-to-day running costs. I am, however, watching developments closely, and the authority has promised to review the financial arrangements at the end of the year's working.

Miss Ward

Would my right hon. Friend kindly explain what is meant by "review the financial arrangements," because that is one of the points which everybody in the north of England would be glad to have explained?

Miss Horsbrugh

I mean, seeing how much money has been spent and considering whether value has been got for it.

Mr. Shinwell

As this recently opened college caters for members of local authorities, trade unions and other bodies in the County of Durham will the right hon. Lady ensure that nobody, not even her hon. Friend the Member for Tyne-mouth (Miss Ward), sabotages this very desirable scheme?

Miss Horsbrugh

I do not suppose that anyone would wish to sabotage it. I am sure the right hon. Gentleman will agree that when a new college has been opened its first year's working must be experimental, and that at the end of the year we should see what are the best schemes and what is most valuable.

Mr. Chetwynd

Will the right hon. Lady make absolutely certain that she places no impediment in the way of this very progressive local education authority's plans for further education?

Miss Horsbrugh

I have already said that it was with my approval that the initial cost of the adaptation and equipment of the college was undertaken.