§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total public expenditure on primary and secondary education, respectively, in the years 1954–55, 1959–60, 1964–65 and 1969–70; and what is the estimated expenditure on each category in 1972–73 at constant prices.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe information is as follows for both capital and current expenditure in England and Wales:
The number of vouchers available for the independent Commonwealth countries other than Malta will be reduced from 6,900 to 1,700. A maximum of 700 will be available in Category A, compared with the present 1,700, of which not more than 15 per cent. will be issued to any one country. A maximum of 1,000 will be available in Category B, compared with the present 5,200; but special arrangements are being introduced for doctors and dentists, who will no longer need vouchers.
Vouchers in Category A will not be issued where suitable resident labour is available; and in order to reduce the intake of unskilled and semi-skilled workers, and to help prevent the formation of long waiting lists, vouchers in this category for the independent Commonwealth countries, other than Malta, will be issued only for:—
- (a) those holding professional qualifications and managerial and executive staff;
- (b) skilled craftsmen and experienced technicians;
181 - (c) specialised secretarial and clerical staff; and
- (d) those coming for other work which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State for Employment, is of substantial economic or social value to this country.