School Building

HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 cc1878-80

26. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimate of the cost of secondary school building proposals put forward by local education authorities in reply to Circular 10/65; and how much of this is for basic needs.

Mr. Crosland

As I explained in my Answer to my hon. Friends the Members for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) and for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick) on 21st July, replies from the 162 local education authorities to Circular 10/65 are still coming in.

Mr. Morrison

I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's difficulties at the moment, but can he say what priority he intends to give such building proposals over and above basic needs requirement, and will he give an undertaking that he will give no priority over primary school building, whether for basic needs or replacement?

Mr. Crosland

I have made it clear in the circular, and repeatedly in public statements of various kinds, including in the House, that priorities are, first, basic needs, and, secondly, the replacement of sub-standard schools, particularly substandard primary schools.

With regard to comprehensive reorganisation, I made it clear in Circular 10/65 that there would not be a separate allocation specifically for reorganisation, although it remains true that authorities are free to use minor works allocations, basic needs allocation, and the allocation for raising the school-leaving age in such a way as to facilitate comprehensive reorganisation plans.

Sir E. Boyle

While welcoming, as we on this side of the House do, the terms of the right hon. Gentleman's Answer, may I ask whether it is still his intention to make a statement on Circular 10/65 before we rise for the Summer Recess, and can he give a date for it?

Mr. Crosland

I intend to make a statement, but I ask the right hon. Gentleman not to tie me down to the exact date. It will be made in time for the debate which I believe he has in mind.

27. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent school building costs will be affected by the Selective Employment Tax.

Mr. Crosland

It is too early to judge. It will depend in part on how much of the tax is passed on.

Mr. Morrison

In view of the increase in costs which is bound to arise, and in view, therefore, of the increase in costs in tenders which will result, can the right hon. Gentleman say how he expects building programmes to be carried out within either the existing overall total, or within existing cost limits?

Mr. Crosland

One must not exaggerate what the increase in costs is likely to be. The Minister of Public Building and Works has said that, considered in isolation, the tax might add about 2 per cent. to building costs, but that assumes that the whole is passed on and none is met by increased efficiency in the industry. I do not think that we should exaggerate the quantitative significance of this, but in any event it was one of the factors which I bore in mind in deciding recently to increase the cost limit by 8½ per cent.