§ 57. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Dumbarton County Council 1993 Education Committee passed a resolution that representations be made to the Government that the expenditure by the Education Committee in Scotland be, to the extent of 75 per cent., met by grant from the national Exchequer; and whether he will take steps to meet their request?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second, it will be obvious that so remarkable an increase in the rate of education grants as is suggested would impose a very large additional burden on the Exchequer. I cannot agree that there is any justification for such a proposal and, accordingly, I do not see my way to initiate any movement of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the allocation to Scotland so far as education is concerned, that is, eleven-eightieths of what England gets?
§ Sir G. COLLINSYes, Sir.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am satisfied that the allocation granted to Scotland is the exact proportion granted in the past under the Goschen figure.