§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent the cash limits on education and welfare services in 1979–80 reflected the higher proportion of families in Northern Ireland with three or more children at school to be fed and clothed on generally lower incomes, as compared with the situation in Great Britain; and if he is satisfied that those services are in no worse a situation than the equivalent services in Great Britain which can rely on rates income as a standby if necessary.
§ Mr. RossiIn deciding the allocation of resources for 1979–80 the Government have sought, so far as possible, to take account of the social and economic circumstances of Northern Ireland. The application of cash limit controls to education and welfare services in Northern Ireland has not placed these services at a disadvantage compared with corresponding services in Great Britain.