§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what account is taken of savings, investments or value of property in determining who is eligible for assisted places at independent schools.
§ Mr. Robin SquireI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 20 January,Official Report column 722. Eligibility for an assisted place is determined by reference to parents' gross income from all sources. No account is taken of capital and other assets or the value of property in assessing parental means.