§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total Government budget allocation to the Belfast Education and Library Board for each year since 1979, and the budget allocation for 1986–87.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[pursuant to his reply, 19 February 1986, c. 186–87]: The information is as follows:
"000's Number 1979–80 36,135 1980–81 40,233 1981–82 43,273 1982–83 45,041 1983–84 44,420 1984–85 44,550 1985–86* 45,559 1986–87† 48,000 * Estimated outturn.
† Projected.
§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what effect the £1.6 million cut in the budget allocation to the Belfast Education and Library Board will have on the level of provision by the board of (a) nursery schools and (b) nursery units.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[pursuant to his reply, 19 February 1986, c. 186–87]: While I am aware that the board has been considering projected expenditure in the nursery sector I have not to date been advised by the board of its decisions nor have I received the board's financial scheme detailing its spending plans for 1986–87. Any proposals to close existing schools or units will require the approval of my Department.