HC Deb 05 December 1957 vol 579 cc584-5
3. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Education what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for increasing the estimated expenditure on education during the present financial year.

Sir E. Boyle

The Ministry's Vote for the current year is £33 million larger than last year's.

Mr. Brockway

Is not that a very insignificant sum? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Yes, very insignificant, compared with the absolute importance of developing education in this country not only of a classical character but of a technical kind. How in the world can this country keep its position if we do not spend more upon education than is indicated in the Parliamentary Secretary's Answer?

Sir E. Boyle

I quite agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of education. The proportion of the national income devoted to the service has gone up substantially under the present Government.

7. Mr. Moss

asked the Minister of Education what estimate he has formed of how educational expenditure is likely to vary over the next few years.

Sir E. Boyle

I expect educational expenditure to continue to increase over the next few years.

Mr. Moss

If this is so, is the Minister certain that the proportion that the local education authority will receive from the proposed general grant will be not less than the amount it would receive if the percentage grant continued?

Sir E. Boyle

The expansion which we must expect can be allowed for just as well under the proposed general grant as under the percentage grant but we shall, of course, be debating this matter fully next week.

Mr. M. Stewart

The hon. Gentleman has said that he expects educational expenditure to increase over the next few years. Can he say also that the amount of the block grant will increase over the next few years?

Sir E. Boyle

I ask the hon. Member to have a careful look at Clause 2 (1) and (4) of the Local Government Bill.