HC Deb 14 November 1985 vol 86 cc251-2W
Mr. Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his decision to hand over responsibility for the funding of list D schools to regional authorities.

Mr. Younger

As I announced on 6 June, at column257, in reply to the question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Corrie) direct grants to list D schools are to be terminated from 31 March 1986. Rate support grant will, however, be increased to reflect the consequential increase in expenditure falling on local authorities.

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the managers of the schools subsequently asked that present arrangements should be continued for a further year, but I concluded that it would be preferable to follow the timetable announced in June. A number of schools have given notice of their intention to surrender certificates of approval if agreement cannot be reached with local authorities on arrangements for financial support. It is for local authorities to determine their requirements for places at the schools and to negotiate the terms of financial support from 1 April next. I understand that authorities are pursuing these matters.