HC Deb 08 July 1958 vol 591 cc176-7
11. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities are in arrears with their school-building programmes; and what are the reasons.

Mr. Maclay

At the end of the financial year on 31st March, 1958, twenty-two education authorities had not succeeded in starting all the projects in their approved building programmes. There were various reasons, but all the projects which complied with requirements were allowed to start as soon as they were ready. The principal reason for the arrears was that the size of the approved programmes turned out to be a little bigger than the professional and technical staffs at the disposal of the authorities could undertake in the course of a year.

Mr. Hannan

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Education in England and Wales has cut the school-building programme of London County Council, and will he give an assurance that he has no similar evil designs on the school building programme in Scotland?

Mr. Maclay

I have given a very considered Answer to the Question, and I should like notice of the further question.