§ 32. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now issue a circular reminding local authorities of the importance of achieving and maintaining a high level of expenditure on school books.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe level of expenditure on school books is a matter for individual local education authorities. However, guidance is available from the 175W Association of Education Committees who, in July this year, issued a memorandum covering allowances for school text books. The recommendations in the memorandum have my full support.
§ 47. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now require local education authorities to make returns showing separately the amount spent annually on school books and other items of equipment.
§ Mrs. ThatcherLocal authority returns to my Department already show expenditure on text books and library books separately from that on equipment, stationery and materials.