HC Deb 11 December 1919 vol 122 cc1663-4W
Mr. HARRY HOPE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the serious increase in assessments for education in many parishes in Scotland, he will delay the collection of assessment until the distribution of the £900,000 of unpaid grants is made, and until he can arrange a more equitable allocation of expenditure amongst parishes?

Mr. MUNRO

The revised proposals in regard to Education Grants announced in my right hon. Friend's replies of yesterday to the hon. Members for Argyllshire and East Fife will reduce the sums to be allocated and apportioned by county edu- cation authorities among the parishes comprised in the several education areas, and will correspondingly affect the sums to be imposed, levied, and collected by each parish council as Education Rate. The proposed additional Grants cannot be issued until the relative Minutes (which have been laid) have become operative, but the amounts payable to each authority will be ascertained and notified with the least possible delay, in order that these authorities may apprise each parish council within their area of the effect, and give the parish council an opportunity of amending their assessment demands.