§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the effects of changes in social security regulations limiting assistance for footwear and clothing to children attending school and the consequent burden to be met by regional councils; and what reply he has made to such representations.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe matter was raised with my Department in July 1981 and subsequently considered at a meeting on 9 October 1981 between my right hon. Friend and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. My Department wrote to the convention on 16 December confirming the Government's view that it should not be necessary, on account of the changes in the supplementary benefits scheme, for education authorities to budget for any increase in clothing grants.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what sum of money has been made available to Scottish regional councils in the current rate support grant to permit clothing allowances to be paid to parents of children under section 54 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 where children are unable to take full advantage of education due to lack of clothing.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherRate support grant is paid in aid of local authority revenues generally and cannot be hypothecated to particular items of expenditure.