HC Deb 13 March 1969 vol 779 cc1542-3
13. Mr. John Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he has given to local education authorities about the application of cuts in further education awards; and what representations on this matter he has received from Reading Borough Corporation.

Mr. Edward Short

None, Sir.

Mr. Lee

Will my right hon. Friend make some representations to Reading Borough Council? Has he seen the council's estimates and how it has cut back grants for further education? Would not my right hon. Friend agree that this is a most retrograde policy for a local authority to indulge in?

Mr. Short

All I know is that in deciding on the rate support grant we allowed for an increase of 8.6 per cent. in the two years from 1967 and 5 per cent. in the following year. We also allowed a slight reduction for further implementing the Pilkington Report. These are the only actions that we have taken about further education. This is not a cut. It is a considerable increase.