asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has had from the town clerk of Manchester regarding the education capital allocation to the City of Manchester for 1985–86: what reply he is sending; if there is any action he will be taking; and if he will make a statement.

I received a letter from the town clerk of Manchester on 18 February expressing the serious concern of the education committee of the City of Manchester about the size of the authority's education capital allocation for 1985–86 and seeking an increase in that allocation. Officials of the Department are arranging to meet officers of the authority at an early date to discuss the issues raised in the letter.