HC Deb 21 October 1981 vol 10 cc159-60W

Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current expenditure on school books per pupil by Tayside region and in Scotland overall.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher:

Figures for the current financial year are not yet available.

The per capita expenditure for 1979–80 on expenditure outturn figures was £3.28 in the Tayside region and £7.12 in Scotland.

Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was (a) the amount allocated for and (b) the amount actually spent on capital expenditure in education in the Tayside region in each year since 1976–77; and if he will also express the underspend or overspend at constant prices in each case.

Mr. Younger:

The information is as follows:

1977–78 2,930 2,690 -330
1978–79 2,760 2,300 -570
1978–80 2,360 2,430 +70
1980–81 1,450 1,120 330

Note: Before the financial year 1977–78, allocations were in terms of work to be started in the periods to which the allocations related. From 1977–78 onwards, allocations have been in terms of expenditure to be incurred in a financial year. Figures for 1976–77 are omitted because they would not relate to an allocation and an amount spent would not be comparable with figures for later years.