HC Deb 28 January 1954 vol 522 cc1941-2
12. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether her Department makes a contributory grant in cases where education authorities enter into firm contracts to buy land without first knowing the price of the land

Miss Horsbrugh

Local education authorities are aware that I am not prepared to approve the purchase of a site or to pay grant on the expenditure involved if the price exceeds that recommended by the district valuer.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister saying that she does not require local authorities to make sure of the price before they enter into the contract, as has been done in a recent case?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think I made it clear that I would not approve the purchase or pay grant if the price exceeded that recommended by the district valuer.

Mr. Thomas

Would the Minister answer the Question which I put on the Order Paper?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think I have answered the hon. Member's Question. I would make the contribution only if the cost did not exceed that recommended by the district valuer.