§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what assessment he has made concerning the availability of books for the national curriculum;
(2) how many representations he has received concerning the availability of books for the national curriculum.
§ Mr. EggarThe latest report from Her Majesty's senior chief inspector of schools says that most classrooms are adequately provided with books. But some schools will need to offer a wider range of books if they are to meet the full requirements of the national curriculum. That is why the Government are deploying specific grant to support £15 million expenditure on books for the national curriculum in the financial year 1991–92. My right hon. and learned Friend and I meet representatives of the educational publishers from time to time and over the last year have also received six letters about the availability of books from schools and members of the public.