HC Deb 07 December 1967 vol 755 cc1651-2
24. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications have been made for educational priority areas by local education authorities; and when he will announce those areas which qualify for capital projects.

Mr. Gordon Walker

So far 92 local education authorities have applied. I hope to announce early in the new year the areas and projects for which I am able to make allocations.

Mr. Price

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Could he, at the same time as he allocates the capital projects, give strong and detailed advice to local authorities about positive discrimination in their current expenditure towards these areas, since it is no good simply giving capital expenditure without more current expenditure as well?

Mr. Gordon Walker

There is force, of course, in what my hon. Friend says, but the local education authorities must have discretion about how they spend their money. If they do concentrate more on this, they must take it away from something else; this must always be considered.

Sir E. Boyle

But is it not a fact that this was by far the most important and emphasised recommendation in the Plowden Council's Report? Should the right hon. Gentleman not do all he can to encourage local authorities to act on that recommendation when allocating their current expenditure?

Mr. Gordon Walker

Yes, certainly, all that they can, I certainly agree with that.