9. Mr. Hubbard-Milesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the projected fall in pupil numbers in maintained secondary schools in Wales from 1983 to 1987, and from 1983 to 1992.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasBetween 1983 and 1987 the projected fall in maintained secondary school pupil numbers is 25,900 and between 1983 and 1992 52,700.
Mr. Hubbard-MilesI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that those figures show the opportunities that are available to local education authorities to plan so as to improve services in the secondary sector at the same time as making economies?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI agree with my hon. Friend. I do not, however, underestimate the difficulties faced by local education authorities in taking surplus places out of use. At the same time, that is an opportunity and a challenge.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellDoes the Minister agree that, as a result of the much reduced rate support grant settlement to Welsh local authorities, a percentage of the lower numbers in secondary schools will be denied the free school transport that they now enjoy because local authorities will be forced to trim to the statutory limit? There will be 10,000 pupils in west Glamorgan who will be denied free school transport in the coming year.
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI do not accept the hon. Gentleman's point. I have noted it, and, of course, such policy decisions are a matter for the local education authorities.