HC Deb 10 February 1981 vol 998 c317W
13. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the provision of books in schools.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

I recognise that, nationally, there are grounds for concern about the standards of book provision in schools. That is why the Government's expenditure plans, as embodied in the 1980–81 and 1981–82 rate support grant settlements, allow for a real improvement in provision for books and equipment at the rate of 2 per cent. compound per annum.