§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the total and per capita expenditure on textbooks and library books in secondary and primary schools required to maintain good and reasonable standards of education, respectively.
§ Mr. ArmstrongI have made no such estimate. It is a matter for each local authority to consider the needs of schools in its area. It would not be practicable, even if it were desirable, to attempt to set standards centrally.
§ Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the per capita expenditure on textbooks and library books in primary and secondary schools in the years from 1969–70.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe information is as follows:
EXPENDITURE PER CAPITA ON TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS IN MAINTAINED SCHOOLS (£ out-turn prices) Financial year Primary schools Secondary schools 1969–70 … 1.2 2.5 1970–71 … 1.4 2.9 1971–72 … 1.7 3.5 1972–73 … 2.0 3.9 1973–74 (estimate) … 2.3 4.1