§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money the Government paid in each year since 1979 to independent schools in the form of boarding allowances in respect of the education of the children of diplomatic staff (a) in cash terms and (b) in constant 1985 prices; and for each, how many children that covered.
§ Mr. EggarThe total cost to the diplomatic service wing of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including Communications Departments in each financial year since 1979–80 for boarding school allowances, was: 356W
£ 1979–80 4,011,280 1980–81 4,962,267 1981–82 5,663,088 1982–83 7,465,177 1983–84 5,940,981 1984–85 6,239,908 The 1982–83 figure reflects a change in the method and timing of payment from monthly to termly in advance. As a once and for all result, the equivalent of 15 months payment was made in the 12-month period.
In constant 1985 prices the cost was:
£ 1979–80 5,986,985 1980–81 6,478,155 1981–82 6,654,627 1982–83 8,230,625 1983–84 6,247,088 1984–85 6,239,908 I shall write to the hon. Member with the other information he requests.