HC Deb 11 December 1969 vol 793 cc170-1W
83. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what were the amounts of the education element in the rate support grant for Warwickshire in the years 1963 to 1969.

Mr. Denis Howell

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1966, rate support grant is not allocated to particular services. But in the negotiations for the present biennium (1969–70 and 1970–71) it was assumed that expenditure on education would be growing nationally at about 3¾ per cent. The estimated rate support grants for Warwickshire County Council for 1969–70 amount to £17,541,911. The corresponding grants for 1963–64 amounted to £11,441,383.

84. Mr. Clegg

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in adjusting the rate support grant to allow for the saving accruing from the increase in the charge for school meals on 1st April, 1970, he will also allow for expenditure on the employment of more teachers.

Mr. Denis Howell

The saving on school meals expenditure will be taken into account when the effect of any future increases in the level of prices, costs and remuneration on relevant expenditure for rate support grant in 1970–71 is considered but changes in numbers of staff cannot be taken into account. The next main review of the grants will determine the level of grants for 1971–72 and 1972–73. The estimated number of teachers available for service, as well as the revised charge for school meals, will be taken into account in the review.