HC Deb 13 February 1958 vol 582 cc547-8
12. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Education the total value of minor works projects, other than for the school meals service, undertaken by Stoke-on-Trent in 1955–56 and 1956–57, and the proposed amount under Circular 331 for 1958–59.

Sir E. Boyle

The figures are £101,000, £97,000 and £30,500, respectively, for projects at county and controlled schools.

Mrs. Slater

Is the hon. Gentleman therefore aware from those figures that Stoke-on-Trent was at one time doing a tremendous amount of work under the minor schemes project but that it is now obviously on the decline due to the policy of the Government? How far has the hon. Gentleman any proposals to meet the need of the old schools which still exist in Stoke-on-Trent, as well as in Oldham, so that they can be made sanitary, with decent lighting, and fit for the children to be educated in?

Sir E. Boyle

I know well that the state of the schools in Stoke leaves much to be desired but that a great deal has been done to improve them during the last two years. The allocation for 1958–59 is, in fact, £1,000 more than was spent on projects for providing additional teaching accommodation in 1956–57, but I regret that, owing to present policies, improvement jobs must now be severely restricted. I certainly take note, however, of the point made by the hon. Lady.

35. Miss Bacon

asked the Minister of Education how many local authorities have expressed to him their concern about the effects of Circular 331.

Sir E. Boyle

Thirty-four.

Miss Bacon

Would not the Minister agree that this circular has been a great blow to rural reorganisation and has stopped any improvement in existing buildings? Would he not consider withdrawing this circular in order that some of our worst schools may be made better than they are at the present time?

Sir E. Boyle

Yes. Naturally we regret the restrictions on minor works. I know how much first-class work has been done in Yorkshire, because I have seen some reconditioned schools there myself. May I point out to the House that the total amount spent for educational projects during the current financial year will be one and a half times as much as was spent two years ago?