§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications he has received, from how many schools and in respect of how many places, for entry to the assisted places scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleBy Friday 11 July, 262 schools in England had applied offering a total of nearly 9,000 places. These applications are being considered and I hope to inform schools early in the autumn term whether their applications have been accepted and the number of assisted places which I am prepared to offer. The schools concerned will then be invited to confirm their application and sign a participation agreement.