§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children are currently benefiting from the assisted places scheme; and how many have benefited since 1981. [10960]
§ Mr. ByersSome 33,140 children held assisted places in the academic year 1996–97 just ended. Since 1981, some 86,400 children have held assisted places at a cost of £918 million to the public purse.