HC Deb 09 November 1988 vol 140 c232W
45. Mr. Michael J. Martin

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to give any guidance to local authorities as to the financial provision they should make for pre-school nurseries.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

In the calculation of the planning figure for education included in the rate support grant settlement, an allowance of £35.5 million was made for nursery education. It is, however, for individual authorities to determine the level of spending on particular services, within the resources available, having regard to local priorities. I have no wish to limit their discretion in this matter.