HC Deb 14 February 1983 vol 37 cc14-5W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice Her Majesty's inspectorate is giving to local education authorities about the levels of expenditure on books and equipment in primary schools.

Dr. Boyson

Her Majesty's Inspectors comment on the provision of books and equipment, in primary schools as in other institutions, in their inspection reports and as part of their normal discussions with officers of each local education authority. Their comments reflect what they have observed in the schools they have visited.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what were the real spending levels on books in primary and secondary schools, respectively, in England and Wales for each year from 1979 to 1982.

Dr. Boyson

The average real terms expenditure per pupil for primary and secondary schools in England respectively in each of the last four financial years was as follows:

£s. (1981–82 outturn prices)
Primary Secondary
1978–79 5.9 10.0
1979–80 5.7 9.6
1980–81 5.9 8.9
1981–82* 5.9 8.6
* Provisional.