HC Deb 08 February 1962 vol 653 c610
35. Mr. Proudfoot

asked the Minister of Education what are the comparative costs of a steel frame school building of up-to-date design and a reinforced concrete building.

Sir D. Eccles

It is difficult to generalise on this subject, but an analysis of the tenders accepted in 1961 for schools in the major building programme shows that the difference in the average cost per place between steel framed buildings and buildings in reinforced concrete was not significant.

Mr. Proudfoot

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but will he bring to the notice of the local education authorities that steel can now be bought off the shelf?

Sir D. Eccles

I know that in the area which my hon. Friend represents there is steel to be bought, and I have asked the local authority to look at the problem of the Constantine College.

Mr. Willey

Has the Minister taken any action on the Estimates Committee Report on school buildings?

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir—not on the Report. It is rather a satisfactory Report.