HC Deb 31 January 1968 vol 757 cc1333-4
17. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what cuts are envisaged in the school building pro- gramme in 1968 as a result of devaluation.

Mr. Millan

Capital expenditure on school building will be reduced by £2.4 million and £3.5 million in 1968–69 and 1969–70 respectively. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of Circular 667 on this matter, which my Department sent to education authorities on 23rd January.

Mr. Eadie

Is the Under-Secretary aware, subject to his answer, that there may be differences of opinion in Scottish education circles about the school leaving age but that there is no difference of opinion about comprehensive education? [HON. MEMBERS: "NO."] There is very little difference of opinion in Scotland about comprehensive education. Will my hon. Friend give the House an undertaking that there will be no cuts in relation to the further movement towards comprehensive education in Scotland?

Mr. Millan

As my hon. Friend will see when he reads the Circular, one of the priorities that we have asked education authorities to adhere to is any key project for comprehensive reorganisation.

Mr. MacArthur

Is not that a shocking reply? Is not the Under-Secretary aware that what he has just said flies completely in the face of the assurance given to the House by the Prime Minister that there would be no cut in the education building programme?

Mr. Millan

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman is talking about. It was obviously clear from my right hon. Friend's statement on 16th January that the reason for deferring the raising of the school leaving age was to make these savings in school building in 1968–69 and 2 1969–70.