HC Deb 10 June 1986 vol 99 cc160-1W
49. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what conclusions his Department has drawn from the latest report of Her Majesty's Inspectorate in relation to secondary and primary schools in England: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

I urge all concerned with the provision of education to study Her Majesty's Inspectors' report on "The Effects of Local Authority Expenditure Policies on Education Provision in England—1985". The fundamental message to be distilled from it is that the education service should be capable of raising standards in schools generally to the level currently achieved by the best, given a better trained and better deployed teaching force and better management and leadership at all levels, supported by adequate resources.

52. Mr. Jack Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he proposes to make any changes in the financing of primary and secondary education for 1987–88.

Mr. Dunn

No changes are planned to the existing system for financing primary and secondary education for 1987–88. My right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph) announced on 12 May at columns 325–328 an expanded programme of education support grants in 1987–88 and out of a total of £53 million some £33 million will he directed towards primary and secondary education.