§ Mr. JoplingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors underlie the proportion of the general schools budget allocated to schools under Cumbria's proposals for local management of schools budget; whether there are any elements in the calculation which are unique to Cumbria relative to other shire counties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonThe Cumbria scheme for local management of schools adheres to the statutory and policy requirements in all respects. Cumbria local education authority is allocating 62.5 per cent. of the general schools budget in 1990–91 to schools through its approved formula. This compares with an average figure of 68.6 per cent. for those shire counties which have submitted budget information for 1990–91. A detailed breakdown of the factors which underlie this figure is given in the answer that I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Norris).