§ Mr. Alan CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children were in receipt of an assisted place; and what was the total cost in England and Wales in each year since 1992. [96860]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe information requested is shown in the following table and is in respect of children in England. The cost in 1998–99 was £22 million less than planned expenditure under the previous administration. That saving was used to provide extra teachers to reduce class sizes. Figures for Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
Assisted places scheme: England Academic year Number of assisted pupils Total cost in financial year (£ million) 1992–93 28,674 192.9 1993–94 29,291 92.3 1994–95 29,743 101.5 1995–96 29,917 104.8 1996–97 33,144 117.5 1997–98 36,458 134.4 1998–99 29,795 125.6 1 Includes £4.9 million brought forward from financial year 1993–94