§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions have been held between his Department and local education authorities in Birmingham, Sandwell, Dugley, Sheffield, Rotherham and Lancashire; and what have been the results.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesOfficials of my Department accompanied my hon. Friend the Minister of State on 7th October 1976 on a visit to Birmingham for discussions with the City Council. My hon. Friend also held discussions with the local authorities in Nelson, Burnley and Preston, at which officials of Lancashire County Council were present, during visits to these areas in October and December last year in connection with his responsibilities for race relations.
643WMy Department's main dealings with local education authorities arise in the administration of grants under the Urban Programme and under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966. In considering the assistance which these grants can give to education authorities, my Department draws on advice from the Department of Education and Science, whose officials are in regular contact with such authorities.