HC Deb 17 April 1958 vol 586 cc323-4
1. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Education whether he is satisfied that the annual capitation allowances of local education authorities to head teachers of infant schools for the equipping of their schools are adequate; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Education (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

I do not think that many infant schools lack adequate supplies of equipment, but when Her Majesty's Inspectors notice deficiencies of this kind they bring them to the attention of the local education authority concerned.

Mr. Short

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that infant schools do not lack equipment, because school teachers throughout the country have to make their own equipment and infant school teachers everywhere are put to a great deal of trouble by making their own stuff? Does not he agree that infant schools have just as great a need as secondary schools and primary schools for up-to-date equipment? Will he look at the capitation grants made by local authorities throughout the country and, when he does so, take some action about those which he will find are quite inadequate?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that they vary throughout the country, partly for accounting reasons, because there are different matters brought in under the capitation grants in different authorities' areas. It is the responsibility of the local authorities to fix the grants, and I have not asked them to economise on this. In fact, my information seems to show that they are increasing their expenditure.