HC Deb 28 June 1956 vol 555 cc670-1
7. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education what proportion of the new economies in expenditure on education will come from Wales.

The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)

I expect about one-fifteenth of the savings resulting from the increase in the price of school meals, and rather less of that from the raising of fees for further education classes, to come from Wales.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that he would not find an educationist throughout the Principality who would agree that these economies are justified? Is he also aware that he is going in the teeth of all considered opinion on education in Wales?

Sir D. Eccles

I am not aware of that. When I was in Wales a few days ago, I mentioned school meals, and I was not given the same information as the hon. Gentleman has.

8. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education how many of the proposed new schools in Wales will be delayed in construction by his latest economy proposals.

Sir D. Eccles

The 44 Welsh school building projects included in the programme approved for the current year will all be subject to a delay of about three months.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister saying that there is no opposition to this either? Is he aware that he must be moving in circles of Welsh people who are not known to the rest of us? Would he enlighten us as to where he has been?

Sir D. Eccles

Of course, this is disappointing, but there were seventeen other projects in Wales which had not been started on 31st March, and they have to be started before these forty-four.