§ 25. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that delays occur in obtaining the approval of his Department for new schools and 790 buildings for technical education; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs.
§ Mr. MaclayEvery effort is made to approve projects as soon as possible; but if the hon. Member will give me details of any case where he thinks there has been avoidable delay, I will have it investigated.
§ Mr. HannanIs the Secretary of State aware that it is the cost limit which he has imposed on local authorities and with which their estimates have to agree that is causing the delay, and if I send him particulars, as I will, will be look into this matter?
§ 26. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now increase the present cost limit of £3 6s. per square foot which governs educational building projects.
§ Mr. MaclayThe cost limit of 66s. per square foot, which governs school building only, is kept under review, but I am not satisfied that, with adequate planning and cost control, education authorities are unable to provide satisfactory schools within the limit.
§ Mr. HannanIs the Secretary of State aware that this cost limit was imposed in December, 1954, since when costs have risen? Since it is this cost limit which is delaying the planning of schools and technical buildings in order to carry out the Government's policy, will the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again?
§ Mr. MaclayAs I have said, the cost limit is kept under review, but we must try to get the best value for money that we can in the interests of everybody.