HC Deb 31 January 1952 vol 495 cc56-7W
84. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Education how far her proposed economies will mean a cut in the grants to Young Farmers Clubs.

Miss Horsbrugh

I cannot yet say what grants will be available for Young Farmers Clubs next year.

85. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Education when she proposes to make a statement upon the future building economies, particularly as they will affect technical education.

Miss Horsbrugh

I hope to issue a circular on this subject very shortly.

87. Mr. Pearl

asked the Minister of Education what proposals she has made on completion of her review of economies in the field of expenditure on educational services financed directly by the Exchequer.

Miss Horsbrugh

I would ask the hon. Member to await the presentation to the House of my Estimates, together with the detailed memorandum upon them; but if the hon. Member wishes for information on any particular service, I will do my best to provide it.

88. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Education the estimated saving in educational expenditure for the financial year 1952–53 as a result of the issue of circular 242 to local education authorities.

Miss Horsbrugh

As the hon. Member is aware, local education authorities were asked to aim at a reduction of 5 per cent, on their preliminary forecasts of expenditure for 1952–53. I cannot yet say what saving they are likely to be able to make as a result of the issue of the circular and their review of the forecasts.

89. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Education what replies she has received to Circular 242 from local education authorities in Staffordshire; and what further action she proposes to take.

Miss Horsbrugh

One, which did not call for any special action on my part.

90. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Education what effect the educational cuts will have upon aid to students entering the universities.

100. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Education whether she will state her policy in regard to the number and value of awards given directly by the Government to any class of students.

Miss Horsbrugh

I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly about awards given directly by my Department and those made by local education authorities for students entering Universities, etc.

91. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Education if she will give an undertaking that, on all future occasions when cuts in educational expenditure have been decided on, these cuts are announced at a time when this House is sitting and the matter can be discussed.

Miss Horsbrugh

While I can give no absolute undertaking in a matter which must necessarily depend on the particular circumstances at the time, the hon. Member may take it that I will always do my best to time the issue of important announcements of policy from my Department so that the House may have the opportunity of discussing them.

Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware that the proposed economies will impose great hardships upon the local education authorities in their provision of recreation grounds, clothing for physical training, administration, furniture and transport; and whether she will consider the withdrawal of Circular 242.

Miss Horsbrugh

This Circular invites local authorities to review the whole of their proposed expenditure in the coming year; it makes clear that I do not expect reductions which would impair the essential fabric of the education service and indicates certain economies which should specially be considered. I therefore cannot accept the suggestion made in the first part of the Question and I am not prepared to withdraw the Circular.