HC Deb 22 May 1968 vol 765 cc501-2
1. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the block grant for education, with a view to giving an increase in grant to Lanarkshire because of its new town commitments; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Brace Millan)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave him on 16th May.—[Vol. 764, c. 279–280.]

Mr. Hamilton

Would my hon. Friend not agree that Lanarkshire has a heavy responsibility for the new town of East Kilbride, where most of the money has to be spent, because of the young popula- tion? Is he aware that there are other parts of Lanarkshire, in my constituency —Baillieston, Bothwell, Carmyle, Garrowhill and Bellshill—all requiring schools too? Should not serious thought be given to reviewing the situation?

Mr. Millan

If my hon. Friend is referring to rate support grant, he will know that this is being reviewed by a working party of officials, including representatives of local authorities, of which Lanarkshire is one. If he is talking about the school building programme, the special needs of East Kilbride, as I have made clear to the authority, are already taken into account.

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