HC Deb 23 October 1990 vol 178 c159W
46. Ms. Quin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current number of surplus places in schools.

58. Mr. Clelland

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the number of surplus places in schools.

Mr. Fallon

The latest estimate is that in January 1989 there were approximately 830,000 surplus primary school places and 950,000 surplus secondary school places in England. Local education authorities have removed about 100,000 surplus places over each of the past five years, although this reduction has been offset to some extent by the need to provide additional places in areas of population growth. We have repeatedly enjoined LEAs to do more to save money by rationalising their school provision.