§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been (i) the total cost of the assisted places scheme, at 1984–85 prices, in each year for which figures are available, (ii) the numbers participating in the scheme, (iii) the average annual increase in fees in those schools participating in the scheme since its inception and (iv) the average increase in fees of independent schools not participating, over the same period.
§ Mr. DunnThe information requested is as follows:
Financial year Expenditure £ million at 1984–85 prices School year Number of assisted pupils School year Average fee increase percentage over preceding year 1981–82 3.531 4,185 — 1982–83 9.489 8,616 10.9 1983–84 15.672 13,102 11.6 1984–85 22.152 17,386 6.8 1985–86 — — 6.6 Information on the average fee increases at nonparticipating schools is not available.