§ 34. Sir E. Boyleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of expenditure on school building, proposed for 1969–70 in Her Majesty's Government's National Plan, will be allocated for school improvements, other than those required for the raising of the school-leaving age.
§ Mr. CroslandIt is not yet possible to say how much of this vast programme will result in improvements to existing schools.
§ 35. Sir E. Boyleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when be will announce the total amount of authorised starts of major school-building projects for 1967–68.
§ Mr. CroslandAs soon as possible.
§ Sir E. BoyleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this delay is very disappointing and is causing concern? Does he recall that when, at the A.E.C. conference in 1963, I announced my intention to state building programmes two years in advance, that decision was widely welcomed? Will he undertake that what was regarded as an important change of policy will not now be revoked by the Government?
§ Mr. CroslandI have a great deal of sympathy with the right hon. Gentleman on this and I am aware that local education authorities are anxious to have their 1967–68 building programmes settled. I shall, in fact, be making an announcement at the earliest possible moment. However, there is no evidence that the momentum of the programme is being held up for want of an announcement about that year.