HC Deb 19 November 1959 vol 613 cc1322-3
18. Lord Balniel

asked the Minister of Education what percentage increase during the current year there has been in the minor works allocation for school-building in England and Wales when compared with last year; and the comparable figure for Hertfordshire.

Sir D. Eccles

An exact comparison is not possible, since the allocations covered different kinds of projects and periods of different lengths. But my noble Friend might like to know that the increase was of the order of 60 per cent. over the country as a whole, and about 30 per cent. in Hertfordshire.

Lord Balniel

How can my right hon. Friend justify the great discrepancy between an increase of 60 per cent. for the country as a whole and only 30 per cent. for Hertfordshire? Is he aware that many educational projects in Hertfordshire are being held up, and will he look at this application again?

Sir D. Eccles

I will look at it but, if my memory serves me right, the Hertfordshire authority got on faster and better than some—

Lord Balniel

But it should not be penalised.

Sir D. Eccles

—and perhaps it has done more work in the past.