Further Education Building Programme

HC Deb 08 February 1968 vol 758 c628

8. Mr. Rossi

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will announce the further education building programme for 1968–69.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Local education authorities were notified last August of the 1968–69 further education building programme, but my right hon. Friend is in communication with them about the modifications which will be necessary in view of the Government's recently announced measures to reduce public expenditure.

Mr. Rossi

Will the reduced programme affect the development of polytechnics, particularly in view of the reduction in university building?

Mrs. Williams

The reduced programme will affect all further education institutions across the board. It is a matter for local authorities how they decide that their priorities should fall. The current year's programme, which is unchanged, is the highest ever at £30.5 million.