§ 31. Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much of the reduction in public expenditure on education in 1968–69 will be incurred in the Northern Region.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerAbout £3 million.
§ Mr. WilleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that this particularly affects development areas which are already in difficulties at the moment? Will he keep the matter under review to see whether, as far as he can, he can reconcile his general policy with the particular needs of development areas?
Mr. WalkerYes, Sir. I am very conscious of the point raised by my right hon. Friend. We have done a lot and are doing more to help development areas, but it is difficult in education to distinguish between one area and another, especially when they do not coincide with the boundaries of education authorities.