Introduction

In 1970 there was some joy in the education service in the UK because total spending on the service in that year overtook spending on defence. The commitment of national resources was now second only to that devoted to health and social security. At last, education was assuming a proper place in the nation’s priorities. At the same time there has been growing pressure to devote more resources to some other public services, notably roads, health and social services. The rises in prices in recent years have also meant a rapid increase in consumer spending. In 1970 there was some joy in the education service in the UK because total spending on the service in that year overtook spending on defence. The commitment of national resources was now second only to that devoted to health and social security. The priority given to education in the allocation of national resources is therefore being intensely challenged.