Nursery and Pre-school Education

HC Deb 29 July 1975 vol 896 cc461-2W

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he is giving to local education authorities for priorities in their expenditure, especially regarding nursery and pre-school educational provisions.

Miss Joan Lestor

In the light of economic circumstances my right hon. Friend is reviewing priorities in consultation with local education authorities.

In his speech to the Council of Local Education Authorities Conference on 16th July—copies of which are available in the Library—my right hon. Friend outlined his own priorities for education. He also drew attention to the importance of the closest co-operation between the Government and local education authorities in managing resources in the period immediately ahead. Consultation to this end is continuing with the Council of Local Education Authorities and through the recently established consultative council.

Guidance to local authorities on policy for the next financial year will be embodied in the Rate Support Grant Circular in the late autumn.