§ 16. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many projects which were included, respectively, in the 1955-56 and 1956-57 school building programme have not yet been started; and if he will list the local authorities concerned and the value of the projects.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonAll the projects which my right hon. Friend expected to start in 1955–56 have now started. Until returns are received from education authorities after 31st March my right hon. Friend cannot say how many of the projects expected to start in 1956–57 will not have started.
§ Mr. ThomsonCan the Minister tell me quite definitely that the figure of £13.2 million which his hon. Friend gave me last week as the figure for the Scottish school building programme for 1957–58 does not include any of the projects included in the previous school building programmes, but not yet started?
§ Mr. MacphersonI should need notice of that question.
§ Mr. D. JohnstonHas the hon. Gentleman noted that Edinburgh Corporation has postponed the building of a secondary school in Edinburgh during the relevant years because of its inability to raise the necessary capital sum of £ 10 million?
§ Mr. MacphersonNo, Sir, the reason for that has not been drawn to my attention, but I can tell the hon. and learned Member that the principal reason for delay is the continued shortage of architects and quantity surveyors.