HC Deb 16 December 1975 vol 902 cc548-9W
42. Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate from information available to him the average cost per pupil of primary education in Cornwall, England and Wales, and that area of England and Wales which has the highest cost per pupil; and if he is able to provide any information about the comparative quality of the education provided.

Miss Joan Lestor

In the financial year 1975–76 estimates of the average cost of primary school pupils in Cornwall, and in England and Wales generally, are £180.9 and £219.8 respectively. The highest estimated average cost per pupil is £311.2 for the Inner London Education Authority. It is not my right hon. Friend's practice to make general comparisons of the education provided by different local education authorities, nor is it clear how such comparisons might profitably be made.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate from information available to him the average cost per pupil of secondary education in Cornwall, England and Wales and that area of England and Wales which has the highest cost per pupil; and if he is able to provide any information about the comparative quality of the education provided.

Miss Joan Lestor

In the financial year 1975–76, estimates of the average cost of secondary school pupils in respect of the Cornwall LEA and England and Wales generally are £322.3 and £346.9 respectively. The highest estimated average cost per pupil is £442.8 for the Inner London Education Authority.

It is not my right hon. Friend's practice to make comparisons of the education provided by different local education authorities, nor is it clear how such comparisons might profitably be made.

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