HC Deb 10 May 1956 vol 552 cc122-3W
51. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education if he will name the 20 projects included in the 1955–56 school building programme for Staffordshire which had not been started by 31st March; and what progress has now been made with them.

Mr. Vosper

I am writing to the hon. Member.

52. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education what proportion the 330 schools, which he approved for the 1955–56 school building programme and which had not been started by 31st March, form of the total number of schools included in that year's programme.

Mr. Vosper

There were 941 major primary and secondary school projects in the 1955–56 programme, of which 330 had not been started by 31st March last.

53. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education how many projects have been struck out of the original 1956–57 school building programme as a result of the inability of local education authorities to start, during 1955–56, 330 schools included in that year's programme.

Mr. Vosper

None, but some must be delayed. My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to tell local education authorities which projects in the 1956–57 school building programme will have to have their starting dates postponed.

55. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Education if he will make a full statement on his proposal to peg the costs in Britain's school building programme; and whether he will include in this statement an indication of his policy relating to the replacing of out-of-date and insanitary schools, showing how long the present restrictions upon such building are expected to continue.

Mr. Vosper

In reply to the first part of the Question, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of Circular 301. As to the second, my right hon. Friend cannot contemplate at present any relaxation of the policy set out in Circular 283.