§ 23. Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement about the effects of the reduction of the education element within the rate support grant.
§ Mr. OakesThe level of expenditure on education which the Government propose for the 1977–78 rate support grant settlement represents a reduction of about 228 1½ per cent. in real terms compared with the estimated outturn for 1976–77. For further details. I would refer my hon. Friend to the report on the Rate Support Grant Order 1976 which was laid before the House yesterday.
§ Mr. MaddenWill my hon. Friend accept that, at a time when many Labour Members believe that public expenditure on education has already been savagely cut, this reduction in the education element is particularly unfair? In what sectors of education will this reduced demand have an effect?
§ Mr. OakesI do not agree with my hon. Friend that what is being done in terms of rate support grant in the education sector is unfair. We in education, as those in other local government spheres, have to bear a fair proportion of the burden, but we have not borne any undue proportions beyond that.