§ Mr. H. HOPEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Stir- 424W lingshire Education Authority has been notified that the grant-in-aid of salaries which it will receive will be about £30,000 less than the normal grant of 50 per cent. of such expenditure; and whether, in view of the serious result which will be entailed on this county, he will take steps to protect the Education Authority against this reduction?
§ Mr. MORISONMy hon. Friend's question seems to be based on a misapprehension. No specific grant is paid to education authorities in aid of salaries. On the other hand, expenditure on salaries has been approved for the purposes of the Department's grant in aid, so far as such expenditure may be necessary to meet the requirements of the Minimum National Scale. As to the purpose of the limitation indicated, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the Department's Circular No. 17, a copy of which I am sending him. But I may add that the decision to lay it down was taken after consultation with representatives of the Association of Authorities. Stirlingshire will receive the full amount to which it is entitled under the Minute, and in the circumstances my right hon. Friend cannot undertake to secure for it special treatment, which could only be given at the expense of other education areas.