HC Deb 12 January 1998 vol 304 c84W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the proposals to cut funding for preparatory schools in Northern Ireland were subjected to a policy appraisal and fair treatment analysis; and what were the results. [22256]

Mr. Worthington

A Policy Appraisal and Fair Treatment analysis is currently being carried out concurrent with the analysis of all the comments received during the consultation process. This analysis will be an integral part of the final decision making process.

Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research she has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of the proposed reductions in funding for preparatory schools in Northern Ireland upon the viability of such schools; and what were the findings of this research. [22257]

Mr. Worthington

As part of the consultative process, each school with a preparatory department was asked to provide an assessment of the impact the proposed funding changes would have on the existing and future pupil numbers and the ongoing viability of the school. Responses are currently under consideration.