HC Deb 12 March 1969 vol 779 cc1345-6
4. Mr. Lawson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount spent from October, 1964, until the latest convenient date on technical colleges; and what were the comparable figures for a corresponding period up to October, 1964.

Mr. Millan

Expenditure on technical colleges is not recorded separately. Total expenditure, current and capital, on further education by education authorities and the Scottish Education Department was about £37.8 million in the three-and-a-half years to October, 1964, and £57.2 million in a similar period thereafter. I will, with permission, circulate some more detailed figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Lawson

While again complimenting my hon. Friend, may I ask him to bear in mind that we are dealing particularly with youngsters between the ages of 15 and 18, which is a most difficult period? Despite the clamour on the benches opposite to cut public expenditure, will my hon. Friend ensure that this type of expenditure goes right ahead?

Mr. Millan

Certainly. I agree with my hon. Friend. One of the pities of the present situation is that the day release figures, although they have improved, are not going up as rapidly as I should like, particularly in this age group. But further education as a whole has expanded very rapidly and continues to expand.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Was the report in the Press yesterday that the Government are restricting the increase in local government expenditure to 1 per cent. in 1968–69 as opposed to 3⅓ per cent., which we discussed only a month ago, correct?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The Question deals with technical colleges.

Mr. Millan

I am not responsible for reports in the Press, but I know what the hon. Gentleman is referring to—the circular which has just been sent out. Estimates of reckonable expenditure for the next two years under the rate support grant settlement—no doubt this will please the hon. Gentleman—allow fully for the extra cost of providing for the expected increase in the number of students in further education.

Mr. Speaker

We must not widen Questions.

The following is the information:

3½ years to October, 1964* £m. 3½ years from October, 1964* £m.
Expenditure on further education
By education authorities:
current … 17.7 34.0
capital … 12.5† 10.3†
By Scottish Education Department:‡
current … 5.3 9.6
capital … 2.3 3.3
37.8 57.2
* Three full financial years plus half the figures for 1964–65.
† Estimated.
‡ Grants to central institutions, etc. excluding the former Royal College of Science and Technology, Scottish College of Commerce and Heriot-Watt College, which have now been incorporated in the University of Strathclyde and the Heriot-Watt University.