HC Deb 18 March 1996 vol 274 cc13-4
14. Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received about the effect of the 1996–97 local government financial settlement on educational services throughout Wales. [19386]

Mr. Hague

I have received various representations. It is for individual local authorities to determine how the resources that are made available to them are allocated between services, including education, in the light of their statutory responsibilities and their perception of local needs and priorities.

Mr. Dafis

Is the Secretary of State aware that, despite the substantial increases in council tax and the fact that other services are being squeezed to protect education, schools will continue to face serious difficulties in the coming year? For example, there will be a deterioration in the pupil-teacher ratio and a reduction in school services, and schools' resources will be perilously low—in some cases, schools will be in the red. Is it not time to undertake a proper review of education funding in Wales?

How is the Welsh Office monitoring the current situation—I am sure that it will receive serious representations on the matter in the next few weeks? Is it not time to lay the firm foundations for a learning society, which will pave the way for success in the future?

Mr. Hague

The Welsh Office monitors standards in education very closely—and will continue to do so. The hon. Gentleman will know that standards at GCSE and A-level continue to improve and are now at record highs. That is a very important achievement that we want to continue in the future.

I have given more money to local authorities for the coming year, I have safeguarded provision for capital expenditure on education at £44 million next year—the same amount that we provided last year—and I have allocated £8 million to the popular schools initiative. I expect local authorities to use those resources effectively and well.