§ 40. Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the net saving to public funds in England and Wales of strike action by teachers during the past 12 months; what was the comparable figure for Cornwall; and if he will take steps to ensure that this money is spent on the education service.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI have no information on the amount of any such savings, either for England and Wales as a whole, 571 or for Cornwall. I am sure local authorities can judge for themselves how best to use any savings arising for this or other reasons. I hope the hon. Member will agree that this is one saving we would rather not have made.
§ Mr. PardoeAlthough I entirely agree with the right hon. Gentleman, I do not share his confidence that the local education authorities will necessarily spend this money on education. Since at the time of the strike it was pointed out by some of the blood-and-thunder-brigade, not in the right hon. Gentleman's Department but in local education committees, that this was one strike which saved public authorities money, will he make sure that the money is spent on education?
§ Mr. ShortI have no power to direct local authorities how to spend their money. Once they have their money they decide for themselves how it is to be spent.