§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if in approving comprehensive education plans for Bolton, she will ensure that the time-table allows for the appointment of key staff such as headmasters and heads of department;
37W(2) if she will outline the timetable she has approved for the implementation of comprehensive education in Bolton.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonProposals under Section 13 of the Education Act, 1944—as amended—for the reorganisation of secondary schools in Bolton in September 1979 are now before my right hon. Friend. If accepted, it will be for the Bolton Education Authority and the governing bodies of the schools concerned to make the necessary arrangements for implementation, but my right hon. Friend is aware that their timetable requires the early appointment of key staff. She hopes
TAX THRESHOLD AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE EARNINGS Year Single persons Married couple Married couple with 1 child under 11 Married couple with 2 children under 11 Married couple with 3 children (2 under 11, 1 between 11, and 16) Married couple with 4 children (2 under 11, 2 between 11 and 16) Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 1977–78 … … 24.9 38.4 44.3 49.8 55.9 61.8 1978–79 … … 23.6 36.8 41.1 45.1 49.7 54.0 The figures have been calculated on the same basis as those for the earlier years given to the hon. Member on 20th July 1977.—[Vol. 935, c. 579–81.]
The figure for 1977–78 is now based on earnings in October 1977 and takes into account the increased personal allowances contained in the Finance (Income Tax Reliefs) Act 1977. For 1978–79, average earnings have been notionally estimated as follows: on the basis that in October 1977 a man on average manual earnings had not yet received an increase in the current pay round, it may be assumed that his earnings will rise by a further 10 per cent. to October 1978 in accordance with the Government's guideline. The proposed increase in child benefit in November 1978 has been taken into account.