§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what the effect of Government expenditure cuts on education expenditure in Cumbria in 1980–81 will be; whether these cuts will maintain the quality and standard of education in Cumbria; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, in the light of the commitment made by Her Majesty's Government in the Queen's Speech to maintain and improve the quality of education, he will review the reductions in expenditure in Cumbria on teaching posts, the employment of non-teaching staff, capitation, the further education budget, adult education, discretionary awards, catering standards, the youth service and in-service teacher training, with a view to making additional funds available; whether he is satisfied that these cuts will help to fulfil the commitment in the Queen's Speech; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleThe Government's plans, set out in last November's public expenditure White Paper—Cmnd. 7746—206W and embodied in the rate support grant settlement for 1980–81 provide nationally for the maintenance of per capita standards in the essential parts of the education service. It is, however, for individual local authorities to determine the detailed distribution of their expenditure reductions between and within services in the light of local needs and conditions.