§ 21. Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she last met the Chairman of the Metropolitan Architectural Consortium for Education.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI have not met the chairman in that capacity.
§ Mr. CoxIs the right hon. Lady aware of the very deep concern which the chairman has expressed over the cuts in the school cost limits? As something has to suffer when forcible costs are cut, does not the right hon. Lady agree that she has some obligation to say what she thinks should be cut? For example, does she think that classroom space, staff facilities and the quality of materials ought to be cut? Surely she has some obligation and it is her duty to give a lead in such a matter.
§ Mrs. ThatcherNot merely have I given a lead, but I have increased the cost limits by 22 per cent., making an increase in total since I took office of some 58 per cent. Even before the latest increase in the cost limits, 97.6 per cent. of the projects last year were actually started.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe right hon. Lady has received a letter from the chairman, written after the 22 per cent. cost increase was announced, which is described as inadequate. How did the right hon. Lady reply?
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe letter was acknowledged. The chairman sent me a 1311 copy letter which I understand she had sent to other people, and naturally I acknowledged it.
§ Mr. SpearingWill the right hon. Lady confirm that in her letter she stated that she had nothing to add to what she had said in the debate? In view of my earlier question, will the right hon. Lady now agree to see a deputation from the Metropolitan Architectural Consortium for Education to discuss this matter?
§ Mrs. ThatcherNo. I agreed earlier to receive the hon. Gentleman, and that I will do. I think that he will have plenty to say.