§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the clearing house arrangements under the assisted places scheme.
§ Mr. FallonAs part of a package of measures to contain the costs of the assisted places scheme within the resources available, my right hon. and learned Friend has reluctantly decided that the proposed scheme for the redistribution of vacant places under clearing house arrangements, notified to schools earlier, cannot go ahead this year. The Government remain committed to the assisted places scheme and some 27,000 children are expected to have places under the scheme in the coming year.