§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many four-year-olds arc currently receiving education; what proportion of their age group this represents; what is the cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [10168]
§ Mr. AncramAvailable statistics relate to pupils' age at 1 July. 26,089 four-year-olds were receiving education at the 1995 census date. This represents 100 per cent. of the four-year-old age group, as this is the age of commencement of compulsory schooling. The cost to public funds for the education of four-year-olds cannot he separately identified.