HC Deb 01 December 1960 vol 631 cc570-1
19. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Education whether he has reconsidered his decision to cut the major school building programme in Cornwall; and if he will make a statement.

Sir D. Eccles

I would refer my hon. Friend to the speech of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in the House yesterday. The programme for 1962–63 is lower than in previous years because no more building is required in Cornwall for reorganisation of all-age schools.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his hon. Friend's speech last night was most unsatisfactory from Cornwall's point of view and that, although no more rebuilding is needed for reorganisation, many schools are in a terrible state of repair at the moment and that children are working in extremely adverse conditions? Will he reconsider his decision particularly for technical education?

Sir D. Eccles

As soon as I can, I will approve proposals for schools which need to be replaced, but the policy for the building of secondary schools at the moment is to give reorganisation top priority.

Mr. Hayman

Is the Minister aware that to complete the development programme for the fifty-one secondary schools in Cornwall, some of which need replacement, will take twenty-five years at the present rate of replacement which he has approved? Will he do something to improve on that position?

Sir D. Eccles

Clearly, the rate of replacement will change drastically as soon as we have finished reorganisation in other areas.

Financial Year for which proposals were made England and Wales Bristol
Number of projects proposed Number of projects approved Number of projects proposed Number of projects approved
†1960–1962 (two years) … … … 2,365 1,215 12 6
1962–1963 … … … 1,658 605 9 3
1960–1963 (three years) … … … 3,275* 1,820 15* 9
* In the total numbers of projects proposed for 1960–1963, projects submitted more than once have been counted once only.
† The two years, 1960–1961 and 1961–1962 cannot be distinguished because a number of authorities made their proposals for the two years together.