§ 6. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent per pupil in primary schools in Scotland in the most recent year for which figures are available; and how this compares with the figure for 1978–79, at constant prices.
§ Mr. Allan StewartIn 1982–83, net expenditure per pupil in primary schools in Scotland at outturn prices was £821. This represents an increase of 13 per cent. at constant prices over the figure for 1978–79, which was £410.
§ Mr. StewartYes. As I have emphasised to my my hon. Friend, that figure represents an increase of 13 per cent. over the 1978–79 figure. That shows that at a time of necessary public expenditure constraint we are achieving our objective of maintaining standards in Scottish education.
§ Mr. MaxtonHow much of that money, per pupil, is spent on books and equipment in primary schools? Does the Minister agree that there has been a large reduction, in real terms, in the money spent on those pupils? Does that not imply a decline, not an upsurge, in the standards of Scottish education?
§ Mr. StewartI am delighted to respond to that question. In each year since 1979 the provision made by the Government in the rate support grant settlement for text and library books corresponded to higher expenditure per school pupil in real terms than in the previous year. The net expenditure per pupil by education authorities on text and library books fell in real terms. That was the result of decisions taken by individual authorities.