§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what public expenditure is being saved by his decision to abolish the National Centre for Information and Advice on Educational Disadvantage; what consultation he had with the centre's governing body about the decision before it was taken; and if he will now reconsider his decision.
§ Dr. BoysonGrant-aid to the centre in 1978–79 amounted to £209,000 and the cash limit for the current year is £312,000. The exact savings in 1980–81 arising from a closure of the centre at the end of August 1980 cannot be estimated until the centre's governing body has itself estimated necessary expenditure before that date. My right hon. and learned Friend did not consult the centre's governing body before reaching his decision, but640W when he met its representatives on 5 December he agreed to consider the points they made and he will be writing to them in due course.