§ Mr. Stottasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the light of the report of the Director of Education of Bolton showing that education cuts in Bolton go beyond the guidelines of the Government and have led to a deterioration in educational provision for the children of the Bolton metropolitan area, if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsFollowing the 1977–78 rate support grant settlement local authorities were given clear financial guidelines together with an indication of the main consequences in terms of national priorities for the education service in Circular 14/76 which, however, makes it clear that the implications for services locally will be for authorities to determine in the light of their own circumstances and priorities. I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.