§ 7. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional expenditure will be allocated to Midlo- 1272 thian Education Authority for pre-school education.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education, Scottish Office (Mr. Hector Monro)My right hon. Friend has authorised Midlothian Education Authority to start nursery education building work amounting to £135,000 in each of the years 1974–75 and 1975–76.
§ Mr. EadieI thank the hon. Gentleman for that information. He will be aware that some time ago Midlothian County Council submitted a scheme for preschool education in the Livingston and Mayfield areas. Whereas the sum of money which the hon. Gentleman announced will contribute to some extent towards that, does he not agree that it would be more helpful to education authorities, not only in Midlothian but all over Scotland, if he were to withdraw the notorious circular 814?
§ Mr. MonroI hope the hon. Gentleman will realise that this substantial sum of £270,000 will go some way towards meeting the needs of nursery education in Midlothian. The priorities of the education authority as to where it wishes to spend the money will be carefully considered.