§ 10. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total effect of the cuts in Government expenditure announced in December 1973 on the school building programme in Wales for the years 1973–74 and 1974–75.
§ Mr. Barry JonesAs a result of the cuts in public expenditure announced last December by the previous administration, a start was deferred on some 70 major primary improvement projects.
§ Mr. Alec JonesWill my hon. Friend say what affect these cuts will have on the introduction of comprehensive education in Wales? It is feared in many parts, 648 notably in my own constituency, for example, that there will now be a delay, and my local education authority may well be the last in the country to go completely comprehensive as a consequence of these cuts.
§ Mr. Barry JonesI am aware of my hon. Friend's interest in secondary education matters in the Rhondda. Secondary improvement projects were not immediately affected by the cuts, since they were not due to start until 1975–76. These and all other elements of the school building programme are now under review.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasIs the hon. Gentleman aware that at the time when the cuts were announced I stated that the essential priorities for education in Wales would be preserved—that is, basic needs, special schools and nursery education, and minor works? Is it intended that that should continue?
§ Mr. Barry JonesI confirm that the basic needs and special and nursery schools programmes are not affected by the cuts. The total cost of these cuts is £3.6 million capital and £2.4 million procurement for the year 1974–75.