§ 1. Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many education authorities in Wales have complained to him that their school building programme is being held up because of present cost limits.
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Peter Thomas)Several local education authorities have reported difficulties in obtaining suitable tenders in respect of the 1972–73 starts programme. However, only four authorities had projects which were delayed beyond 31st March 1973 and a place is available for these in the current programme.
§ Sir A. MeyerWill my right hon. and learned Friend take this opportunity to put the matter into perspective and make it clear that the very welcome expansion in the provision of school places which has taken place under the present Government is not being held up by such difficulties as these?
§ Mr. ThomasYes, Sir. I certainly welcome the opportunity. The school building programme for 1972–73 was the largest ever, amounting to over £20 million. It included 98 major projects, but only six failed to start because of difficulties concerning tenders.
§ Mr. McBrideDoes the reason adduced in the Question form any part of the reason for the alleged hold-up in the completion of the Hafod school in Swansea? Will the Secretary of State 964 give every assistance to Swansea City Council in having the school completed as soon as possible so that my constituents' children may have the benefit of education there?
§ Mr. ThomasThe only hold-up to a school in Swansea as a result of cost limits was to the Olchfa secondary school extensions. As I have said, a place is available for them in the current programme. Cost limits have been raised again recently.
§ Mr. Alec JonesWhile putting the matter in perspective, will the Secretary of State give details of the schools and the number of pupils affected in the four schemes that were postponed?
§ Mr. ThomasI can certainly give details. Perhaps I may write to the hon. Gentleman.