§ 18. Mr. LeggTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what has been the change in real and cash terms in spending on books and equipment in schools since 1979.
§ Mr. Robin SquireSpending on hooks and equipment in LEA-maintained schools in England is estimated to have increased by 23 per cent. in real terms, and by 23 per cent. in cash terms, between 1979–80 and 1993–94. Figures for 1993–94 are provisional. On a per pupil basis, spending is estimated to have increased by 55 per cent. in real terms, and 280 per cent. in cash terms, over the same period. Equivalent information is not available for grant-maintained or independent schools.