HC Deb 28 February 1963 vol 672 cc1436-7
24. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Education by what amount the Essex County Council and the borough of Leyton would benefit if 5 per cent. of educational expenditure now borne by local authorities became a further national charge.

Sir E. Boyle

Five per cent. of estimated expenditure by local authorities on education in 1963–64 is £42.63 million. If this amount were added to the general grant and distributed in proportion to the present distribution Essex would receive an additional £1.8 million. The Borough of Leyton does not receive general grant and would, therefore, benefit only through a reduction in the county precept.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given, and in view of the fact that rates are rising in Essex and, incidentally, in my own borough, partly due at least to Government policy, would it not be prudent, beneficial and appropriate if to ease the burden he recommended to the Treasury that this 5 per cent. should be transferred to the national Exchequer?

Sir E. Boyle

It was agreed by the Government, including my right hon. Friends at the Treasury, that we should work on the basis of a sum of relevant expenditure for general grant of £852 million in 1963–64. I looked on that as a quite substantial increase, 5½ per cent. over the present year. If I were to urge that the formula should be changed, I do not think I should be very popular in certain quarters.

Mr. Lagden

Essex is particularly proud of its record in education over the last five years. Owing to the exceptional building and exceptional population increase, should not my right hon.

Friend consider this matter quite separately from some other counties?

Sir E. Boyle

I do not want to be flippant, because I know the problems of Essex and many other authorities. As my hon. Friend has said, Essex has had a very fine record in education over many years, but if I were to make selective arrangements under the general grant procedure for counties in accordance with the quality of their problems I should defeat the purpose of the whole system.

Mr. Sorensen

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.