§ Mr. WATSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the estimated total annual cost, for the five years commencing 1st April, 1931, to the Exchequer and local education authorities, stating the percentage each will contribute, of providing maintenance allowances in connection with the raising of the school-leaving age?
Mr. W. ADAMSONIt is too early to give any precise estimate of the total cost of maintenance allowances, since the conditions governing their award have not yet been settled. It is anticipated, however, that it will be in the neighbourhood of£500,000 in the year ending 31st March, 1932, and that it may rise to£700,000 in the year ending 31st March, 1934, after which it will decline. To this cost the Exchequer will contribute a sum equal to eleven-eightieths of the corresponding grants to the local education authorities in England and Wales.