§ 33. Mr. Easthamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the implications of the White Paper on public expenditure, for primary and secondary schools.
§ Mr. DunnThe Government's plans for local authority expenditure in 1985–86 and the later years allow authorities to develop and implement policies to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils of all abilities in primary and secondary schools. In particular, provided that costs are contained and savings made where feasible, the plans permit a continuing modest improvement in pupil-teacher ratios and improved levels of expenditure per pupil on books and equipment, and on repairs and maintenance. The position will vary between authorities depending on factors such as their expenditure targets and their progress in taking out of use surplus places, and redeploying resources, as school rolls fall.