§ Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the absence of a specific grant for education, how she intends to ensure that education finance is protected, in view of the statements being made by some counties as a result of the proposal to reduce their rate support grant that education could take the brunt of the cuts.
§ Mr. OakesThe Government's proposals for the 1978–79 rate support grant settlement provide the basis for a small increase in education expenditure overall and also seek to stabilise the distribution of grant with a view to protecting services at local level from undue pressure. My right hon. Friend will be issuing guidance on the Government's priorities for education in a joint circular to assist individual local authorities in their examination of the implications of the settlement for their own plans and decisions.