HC Deb 12 June 1952 vol 502 cc396-7
41. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Education the total annual cost to her Department in the administration of divisional executives.

Miss Horsbrugh

In the light of returns recently received from nearly all county authorities, their total expenditure on divisional administration in 1951–52 may be put at slightly under £2 million, as compared with about £1,750,000 in 1950–51. Sixty per cent. grant is payable by my Department on expenditure of this kind.

Mr. Johnson

In view of that, is the Minister aware that many conscientious local government officers were much disturbed last July when the Chancellor of the Exchequer talked of extravagance in the administration of divisional executives? Will the right hon. Lady give an assurance that the policy of the Government is not to abolish or liquidate the divisional executives?

Miss Horsbrugh

I do not think it would be worth while to discuss policy announced last July. If the hon. Member looks at the Educational Act he will see that local authorities cannot abolish divisional executives, but they can send suggestions to the Minister. I assure him that suggestions would be considered.