HC Deb 21 June 1955 vol 542 cc1128-9
6. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much technical education building was started, and how much completed, in each of the financial years 1953–54 and 1954–55; how much has been begun, or will be begun, in the current year; and to what extent such provision will meet the demand for such technical facilities.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

I shall, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the value of projects started, the value of work done and the value of projects completed in the years 1953–54 and 1954–55 together with estimated figures for 1955–56. It is estimated that the additional provision which will result will meet the known demand, but it is our view that the amount of technical education should be expanded still further and education authorities have been urged to expedite their plans for local technical colleges and to consider what further facilities are need in their areas.

Mr. Hamilton

Could the Minister be a little more explicit and give specific examples of encouragement to local authorities to speed up their provision of technical facilities; and will he indicate whether his Department has made representations to the Treasury to cut interest rates in order to encourage local authorities to get on with their building?

Mr. Stewart

As to the second part of the supplementary question, that has not been done as the rate is part of the Government's policy. As to the first part, if the hon. Gentleman will look at the circular which we issued in December, 1954, he will see a specific example of urging local authorities to get on with this particular job, and we kep on pressing them.

Following is the table:

£ Thousand
Year Value of projects started Value of work done Value of projects completed
1953–54 105 220 177
1954–55 703 250 163
1955–56 (Estimated) 500 275 95
The figures in the table include work done by education authorities and at central institutions but not work done at universities.