HC Deb 15 December 1925 vol 189 cc1179-80
78. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary for Scotland the estimate of his advisers as to the amount of reduction in Scottish education grants for 1926–27 as a result of the new policy set forth by the Minister of Education in Circular 1371?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to his question of 9th December. But I should like to add that a Circular dealing with the whole matter more fully is being issued to education authorities to-day. Copies are being sent to all the Members of the House who represent Scottish constituencies.

Mr. STEPHEN

Are we to understand from that answer that in this new Circular just issued to the education authorities the right hon. Gentleman has given some idea of the estimates that his advisers have formed in regard to the amount of the reduction that will be involved?

Sir J. GILMOUR

If the hon. Member will wait till he receives the Circular he will see the full situation set out there.

Mr. STEPHEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman not tell us if he has got a definite figure from his advisers as to the reduction that this will involve on the education authorities? We are entitled to get an answer here, definite figures, and not from the education authorities?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As regards definite figures they are only being given in the Estimates.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that this Circular shall be available at the Vote Office the same as Circular 1371, for the use of those interested in the matter?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Well, I will consider that.

Captain BENN

; In the consultation with the Noble Lord the President of the Board of Education, did he not go into the question of what Scotland was going to lose under the new policy?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Yes, that matter had full discussion.