§ 95. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Education to what extent the higher estimates of local education authorities for 1952–53 are due to the rise in the cost of living; to what extent they are due to higher salaries and wages; and to what extent they are due to extensions and improvements of the service.
§ Miss HorsbrughNo doubt all the factors mentioned by the hon. Member affect the estimated expenditure of each local education authority in varying degrees. But it would not be possible, on the information available to me, to evaluate the effect of each factor separately on the total estimated expenditure of the authorities.
§ 97. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Education which of the 81 local education authorities which were asked for an explanation of their estimates have now replied; and what action she is taking.
§ Miss HorsbrughI have received replies from all the authorities concerned except Staffordshire, Coventry and Brecon. Generally speaking, the replies are helpful and satisfactory, and I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the co-operative attitude shown in them. Any particular matters that require further action will be taken up separately with the authorities concerned.