HC Deb 18 March 1996 vol 274 cc11-2
10. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent on the assisted places scheme in 1995–96 in Wales; and what is the percentage change in the budget for assisted places in 1996–97. [19382]

Mr. Richards

Provisional expenditure on the assisted places scheme for 1995–96 is £2,903,500; £3,781,000 has been allocated for the scheme in 1996–97, representing a 22 per cent. increase in provision, to take account of the expansion of the scheme from September 1996.

Mr. Williams

When our local education authorities are desperately short of funds, and with up to 500 teachers' jobs in Wales under threat, what sense does it make to expand by 22 per cent. the expenditure on the assisted places scheme, which benefits only a tiny minority of children? Where does the scheme stand alongside the Prime Minister's professed ambition of creating a classless society and a nation at ease with itself, when money that should have been allocated to local education authorities is instead being used to subsidise private schools?

Mr. Richards

The Government's policy is to promote assisted places schemes, because they are popular and effective and offer opportunities to those who cannot afford to pay for private education. I am astonished that the hon. Gentleman should talk of a classless society—especially in connection with education—given that his right hon. and hon. Friends take advantage of Government policies in choosing grant-maintained schools or selective education for their children.

Mr. Harry Greenway

Does my hon. Friend agree that children are all different from each other, and that diversity of provision is essential if all their differing needs are to be met? Will he attack those who knock the assisted places scheme? They are attacking opportunities for poor children in Wales and throughout the United Kingdom, and they should be aware of that.

Mr. Richards

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Diversity of provision is a key part of the Government's education policy, but Labour Members do not want diversity or choice for everyone else's children; they want it only for their own.