HC Deb 27 June 1968 vol 767 cc798-9
19. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the value of capital projects in university building which were commenced in 1967; what percentage increase this represents compared with 1966; and what estimate he has made regarding the value of building projects to be commenced in 1968.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The university building programme authorised by the Government for the financial year 1967–68 totalled £31.9 million. This represents a reduction of 20 per cent. compared with the 1966–67 programme of £40 million. The building programme authorised for 1968–69 totals £28.7 million.

Mr. Taylor

In view of these disturbing figures, could the hon. Lady say, in the light of the right hon. Gentleman's reaction to a recent speech, whether it is the policy of the Department that more emphasis should be put on the primary school building programme as opposed to university building?

Mrs. Williams

I am glad the hon. Gentleman shares my view of the importance of higher education and not that of the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell). Having said that, I add that it is the view of the Government that, at the present time, because of the numbers of children coming forward to the schools, the primary schools must take a full share of the programme and the cuts must therefore fall more heavily on the later stages of education.