HC Deb 21 March 1962 vol 656 cc383-4
32. Miss Herbison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking or proposes to take to aid Lanarkshire Education Authority to provide both schools in their housing development areas and extensions and improvements to senior and junior secondary schools.

Mr. Brooman-White

My right hon. Friend will shortly authorise the investment for 1962–63 required to enable the education authority to proceed with the school building programme which it proposes to start in that year.

Miss Herbison

Will this programme cover every item of the scheme put forward to the Secretary of State? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that already the education authority in Lanarkshire is spending £3 million more of the ratepayers' money than it is getting from the general grant? Is he further aware that some of the schools in Lanarkshire are disgraceful places in which to educate children?

Mr. Brooman-White

I am aware of the hold-up which occurred in new starts in Lanarkshire, which we all regret. If the council puts forward a slightly more ambitious scheme than the one it has submitted, we would be prepared to consider it. But the scheme at present before us will shortly be approved.

Miss Herbison

The scheme was given to the Department of Education some time ago. It does not even meet all the requirements in the circular. Will that scheme be operated by help from the Government?

Mr. Brooman-White

We are shortly to approve that scheme. If any further proposals come from Lanarkshire, we will be prepared to consider them.

Mr. Lawson

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the present scheme concentrates two-thirds of all building in one town, namely, in the new town of East Kilbride? While we have nothing against East Kilbride getting the schools which it certainly requires, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that one-third of an already reduced school building programme is hopelessly inadequate to meet the needs of Lanarkshire?

Mr. Brooman-White

What we are doing is accepting the scheme which Lanarkshire education authority has put forward.