§ 30. Mr. Rossiasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will institute discussions with the local authority associations, the Association of Education Committees and other interested bodies to examine the feasibility of transferring the larger part of the rate-borne expenditure on teachers' salaries from the rates to the Exchequer.
§ Mr. MacCollNo, Sir. Any major reform of local government finance must 1334 await the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Local Government in England.
§ Mr. RossiIs the Minister not aware that the rate-borne expenditure for teachers' salaries for the year 1965–66 amounted to £230 million, for which the Local Government Act 1966, did absolutely nothing? Does he not regard the Answer that he has just given as a betrayal of the Labour Party's promise in its 1964 manifesto to transfer the greater part of this burden to the Exchequer? Furthermore—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I think that that is long enough for the hon. Gentleman to answer.
§ Mr. MacCollThe Local Government Act pays an increasing proportion of educational expenditure each year. In addition, the new formula of education units provides more sensitive assistance to education.
§ Mr. RipponWill the hon. Gentleman accept that that is an entirely cynical and irresponsible reply? Does he not recognise that the whole basis of the Labour Party's pledge to give early relief to ratepayers was that the greater part of the rate-borne cost of teachers' salaries would be transferred to the Exchequer? Why do not the Government do that?
§ Mr. MacCollI take the right hon. and learned Gentleman's rebuke with respect, coming as it does from a master of what is irresponsible.
§ Mr. RossiIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.