HC Deb 08 July 1980 vol 988 cc108-9W
40. Mr. Trippier

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the latest figure he has as to the number of voluntary schools; and whether the trend is towards an increasing or decreasing number.

Dr. Boyson

In January 1979, the latest date for which the information is available, there were 8,372 voluntary primary and secondary schools maintained by local education authorities in Englandf. Since January 1970 there has been a decrease of 585 in the total number of voluntary schools.