§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children have been placed in schools through the assisted places scheme; and if he will take action with regard to local authorities which fail to take advantage of the scheme.
§ Dr. BoysonOver 4,200 pupils took up assisted places in 1981–82 and recruitment for the coming school year is nearing completion. There is no provision for local authorities to apply for assisted places; parents deal directly with the schools concerned.