"SNP'S BUDGET FAILS STUDENTS AND PARENTS" - IAIN SMITH MSP

12.00.00am GMT Tue 20th Nov 2007

Commenting on the SNP's Budget statement, Iain Smith MSP said, "This budget is one of spin and deception. This new pledge to "work towards" smaller class sizes is a far cry from a commitment to cut them. Around 1240 nursery teachers are needed to meet its pledge to the youngest children, where are they?

"Universities such as St Andrews need £168 million of funds, yet they are only getting £30 million. Students were promised and end to debt by the SNP but instead over £70 million of proposed spending on students has been dropped without so much as a proposal to Parliament.

"I find it outrageous that, as a proportion of the Scottish Budget, Education and Skills funding will fall. This "New Era of Scotland" that John Swinney proclaimed, only means that Education and Young People will become less of a priority.

"This failure to deliver will be recognised by parents and students alike."

"The Liberal Democrats will fight for a better deal for Universities and Education as budget goes through Parliament," concluded Mr Smith.

ENDS