HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 cc1388-9
23. Mr. J. Wells

asked the Minister of Education what expenditure on minor works has been made in each of the past sixteen years.

Mr. Chataway

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Wells

Is my hon. Friend aware of the great need for a substantial increase in expenditure on minor works in those areas where substantial old church schools come under the authority? Unless there is an increase in these areas, it is manifestly unfair to the children living there contrasted with the position of their neighbours in other villages who are in better circumstances?

Mr. Chataway

My right hon. Friend is very much aware of the need which exists in those instances. My hon. Friend will, of course, have noticed that the minor works allocation for the current year has recently been increased from £10 million to £16 million.

Mr. Willey

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the £16 million is still less than the £21 million at which it once stood? Will he translate his right hon. Friend's enthusiasm into action by ensuring that the cut in the minor works programme is fully restored?

Mr. Chataway

I think that the hon. Gentleman is in some confusion, because the previous figure related to an 18-month period and not to a period of one year.

Following is the information:

EDUCATIONAL MINOR WORKS
(including school meals projects)
Financial year Work done
£m.
1946–47 … … … … 6.5
1947–48 … … … … 5.8
1948–49 … … … … 7.4
1949–50 … … … … 9.3
1950–51 … … … … 6.5
1951–52 … … … … 4.9
1952–53 … … … … 6.4
1953–54 … … … … 7.8
1954–55 … … … … 8.5
1955–56 … … … … 12.4
1956–57 … … … … 14.0
1957–58 … … … … 16.7
1958–59 … … … … 12.7
1959–60 … … … … 14.9
1960–61 … … … … 18.7
1961–62 … … … … 15.2

Note: The figures relate to building work done and exclude land purchases, professional fees, furniture and equipment.