§ Mr. Murrayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether the Kent Educational Committee consulted him about its proposals to increase the charges for non-vocational 225W further education classes for the year 1969–70;
(2) if he is aware that the Kent Education Committee proposes to increase the charges for non-vocational further education by over 300 per cent. for the year 1969–70; and if he will refer these proposals to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsIn May, 1967 local education authorities were reminded that fees for classes in leisure time activities should be fixed at a level which called for a reasonable contribution from the students towards the cost of the classes. The Kent Local Education Authority informed my Department in August, 1968 of its intention to increase its charges for these courses in order to restrain the growth in its expenditure. These charges, being wholly within the Authority's discretion, do not require my approval. The Government do not propose to refer them to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.