HC Deb 17 February 1972 vol 831 cc150-2W
Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science is she will estimate the total current expenditure at 1971 survey prices over the five-year period 1971–72 to 1975–76 in primary schools, secondary schools, further education, and universities, respectively; and how much this represents for full-time or full-time equivalent pupil or student in 1975–76.

Mrs. Thatcher

The estimated totals of expenditure for 1971–72 to 1975–76 are:

£m at 1971 Survey prices
Primary (England) 2,388
Secondary (England) 2,930
Further Education (England and Wales) 1,433
Universities (Great Britain) 1,794

The average costs obtained by dividing these totals by the number of pupils or students in the last year only would not be meaningful. But the averages based on the estimated expenditure in 1975–76 and the forecast number of pupils or students in that year are as follows:

£
Primary pupil 103 (excluding loan charges, transport, etc.).
Secondary pupil 176 (excluding loan charges. transport, etc.).
Further Education student. 425 (including awards).
University student 1,340 (including awards).

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she

£m at 1971 Survey prices
1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76
Primary 103.4 108.4 110.2 104.3 94.8
Average annual percentage change 1971–72 to 1975–76 -1.7
Secondary 154.8 146.3 128.8 107.2 89.3
Average annual percentage change 1971–72 to 1975–76 -10.6

The primary school population will begin to fall in 1973 and expenditure will accordingly decline after 1973–74, although the programme for replacing old schools will be maintained at a record level. Expenditure on secondary schools will decline as the special programme for raising the school leaving age is completed and the rate of increase in secondary school numbers falls. The calculation of the amount and incidence of the expenditure, which includes the purchase of land, furniture and equipment, as well as building costs, allows for the time required for construction, which can vary considerably, according to the size and complexity of the project.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will estimate the total capital expenditure at 1971 survey prices over the five-year period 1971–72 to 1975–76 in primary schools, secondary schools, further education and universities, respectively; and how much this represents per full-time or full-time equivalent pupil or student in 1975–76.

Mrs. Thatcher

The estimated capital expenditure for the period 1971–72 to 1975–76 is:

£m at 1971 Survey prices
Primary schools (England) 521.1
Secondary schools (England) 626.4
Further Education (England and Wales) 275.2
Universities (Great Britain) 460.6

It is not meaningful to attribute capital expenditure in any year or period to the will estimate the capital expenditure at 1971 survey prices on primary and secondary schools, respectively, in each year from 1971–72 to 1975–76, and the average percentage rise a year.

Mrs. Thatcher

The provisional breakdown of capital expenditure on primary and secondary schools in England included in Table 2.15 of Cmnd. 4829 is as follows:

total number of pupils or students then current since the expenditure is related only to the prospective increase in numbers or to the rate of replacement of obsolete buildings.

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