§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take in order to carry out his stated intention of restoring the value of the grant to the grant-aided schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerI propose to lay before Parliament as soon as possible amending regulations that will have the effect of raising the grants to a level that will cover approximately 20 per cent. of the approved maintenance expenditure of the schools in their financial years 1979–80. So far as future years are concerned, my intention is to discuss with the schools a change in the basis of the grant, with a view to making assisted places available in suitable fee paying schools to pupils from families with smaller incomes. The level of grant in future years will be considered in the light of the progress of these discussions and of the Government's policy on public expenditure.