HC Deb 12 March 1959 vol 601 cc1429-30
5. Mr. Fitch

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the evidence that local education authorities cannot erect schools within the present limits without considerable sacrifice of educational facilities, particularly in the case of new grammar schools, what are his plans in the near future for raising the existing cost per place for secondary school building.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

The evidence I have shows that local education authorities are still able to build schools of good quality within the current limits of cost per place.

Mr. Fitch

Will the Minister agree that the sum of £264 per place is inadequate for the building of a modern grammar school with the need for technical development? Will he be more generous in his allowances in future?

Mr. Lloyd

The average costs per place on tender have been falling during the last year, so that the situation has somewhat eased, but, again, I am prepared to discuss a particular difficulty in the hon. Member's constituency.