HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 cc216-7
25. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the school building programme in Ayrshire is in arrears.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Two major projects estimated to cost £98,000, which were included in the building programme submitted by the education authority a year ago for starting during the present financial year, now appear unlikely to start in that period.

Mr. Ross

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what those projects are, and when they will start?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. They are, first, a new primary school of which the hon. Gentleman knows, and secondly an extension of Prestwick High School; the first has been held up by the Dean of Guild Court decision and the second because of delay by the architects. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have appointed a working party from the Department and the local authority to speed up all this effort. I cannot give the time, but we should like it to be as fast as possible.

28. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the school building programme for non-technical purposes will now be delayed as the result of the decisions to permit no increase in capital expenditure programmes for education and to give priority to the programme for technical education.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

As the hon. Member will see from the circular, of which I am sending him a copy, there have been no such decisions and it is not intended to postpone any essential school projects. Before deciding to what extent it will be necessary to postpone less essential projects in the next six months we shall have to see what is the total volume of work that education authorities will be ready to start in that period.