HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc567-8
46 and 47. Dr. King

asked the Minister of Education (1) whether, in view of the representations which he has recently received from the County Council's Association, he will increase the amount per place which local education authorities are permitted to spend on providing new schools;

(2) whether, in view of the variation of the cost of building new schools which exist in different parts of the country, he will introduce some flexibility in the permitted cost per place for those authorities which find it impossible to build within the prescribed figures without sacrificing essentials.

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir. There is evidence to show that in spite of variations in building costs, schools of good quality can be built within the current limits of cost and to the requirement of the Regulations.

Dr. King

As I put two very separate points in my Questions, may I put two supplementary questions? First, is the Minister aware that the cost per place which he has fixed lags behind the steady rise in the cost of living? Is he aware that the experience of hon. Members who sit on education committees is that we are continually cutting down essentials in schools and features which in the long run will become economic, merely to conform to his figure? May I put it to the right hon. Gentleman that it is the experience of members of local authorities in "in-spill" areas that building costs are considerably higher than those in other areas, and require sympathetic treatment from the Minister?

Sir D. Eccles

It is true that building costs have risen faster than the cost per place; but the efficiency of school building has increased, and I am satisfied that local authorities today, with the experience which they have had since the war, are able to build somewhat more cheaply, which is a good thing. On the second point, there are certain areas where the costs are higher than in others; if a very special reason can be shown I am prepared to vary the cost limits, but only on very rare occasions.

Mr. M. Stewart

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the cost per place now ruling was last fixed and what has happened to costs since that date?

Sir D. Eccles

I have raised the cost per place figure within the last year.