HC Deb 16 December 1975 vol 902 cc551-2W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received following the decision to prevent pre-rising 5s from starting school in 1976; and what reply he has made.

Miss Joan Lestor

Many letters have been received in protest against economies in education expenditure, and a substantial proportion have referred to provision for the under-5s. Replies have emphasised the provisional status of the advice in the Department's Circular 10/75; the objective is to moderate the rate of growth of education expenditure, not to put it into reverse in real terms responsibility for decisions lies ultimately with individual local authorities.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if any local education authorities have informed him that they intend to continue admitting pre-rising 5s to school in 1976.

Miss Joan Lestor

No. They are not required to offer such information to the Department.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated saving in public expendi- ture in preventing local education authorities from admitting pre-rising 5s to school.

Miss Joan Lestor

If all local authorities were to refuse admission of pre-rising 5s to infant classes, and if they secured savings in proportion to the resultant diminution in numbers attending primary school, the total saving would be of the order of £25 million.