HC Deb 27 October 1960 vol 627 cc2554-5
10. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education the values of the school building programmes submitted to him by the Staffordshire authority for 1961–62 and 1962–63; and the values of the programmes he proposes to approve.

Sir D. Eccles

No separate proposals were made for 1961–62; proposals for 1962–63 amounted to about £5¼ million. In other words, Staffordshire, with a population of less than 1 million, applied for one-tenth of the total programme for England and Wales. I have approved programmes of about £1¾ million in each year.

Mr. Swingler

Although the Minister may think that he is scoring a good point there, will he kindly take into account the terrible legacy of neglect of schools in Staffordshire in the last quarter of a century? Will he kindly come to Staffordshire and look at some of the schools and consult on the spot the local representatives on the education authorities about whether their proposals are necessary and desirable?

Sir D. Eccles

I know that there are urgent needs in Staffordshire. That is why the Staffordshire programme is more than its proportionate share of the England and Wales programme.

Mr. Swingler

It is not enough.

Mr. Dudley Williams

Can my right hon. Friend state the average expenditure during the time that the party opposite formed the Government of the day?

Sir D. Eccles

Not without notice.