§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the number of those aged three and four years in each of the educational authorities in the north west of England in nurseries, pre-school playgroups or other forms of education(a) at the latest available date, (b) five years ago, (c) 10 years ago and (d) 15 years ago, expressed numerically and as a percentage of the age group; what was the national average for these figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe total number of pupils under five and the percentage of the age group attending maintained nursery and primary schools in each local education authority in the North West and in England in January 1973, 1978, 1983 and 1988 is given in the following table. Information on pupils under five in playgroups is riot available centrally.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Department has published a booklet "School Governors: How To Become A Grant-Maintained School" and circular 10/88 "Education Reform Act 1988: Grant-Maintained Schools". Copies were sent by post to the chairman of governors of all county and voluntary schools in England, local education authorities and other interested parties. The cost of printing and distribution was approximately £46,000.