HC Deb 16 June 1966 vol 729 c1643
33. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what factors he attributes delays by local education authorities in starting their school building programmes.

Mr. Redhead

There are many factors, and any attempt at a short summary would be misleading. My right hon. Friend is discussing the whole question with the local authority associations and he will be glad to have a word with the hon. Member.

Mr. Morrison

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that by speeding up the machinery for approving school building plans within his own Department some delays could be avoided? Could not further delays be avoided by announcing programmes further in advance, so there would be less hold-up as a result of difficulties in acquiring sites?

Mr. Redhead

I am conscious of the fact that there have been some delays, and we have looked into our internal position. I am bound to say that we have not revealed any great evidence of delay inside the Department. If the hon. Member will send me details of any particular cases which he has in mind I will certainly look into it.