This question confirms an attitude which exists in the developing world – an attitude which not only regards maintenance as the Cinderella of all activities but would also insist on giving it an extremely low priority. It is an attitude in which I have commented upon previously in my submission to Cabinet and Parliament in the School Maintenance Programme – and one which requires urgent and drastic revision. If my presence here this morning, as Prime Minister, can in any small way contribute towards a revision of that attitude by highlighting
the importance of maintenance and maintenance programmes then my acceptance of this invitation would have been worthwhile.