HC Deb 29 October 1987 vol 121 c362W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many surplus secondary school places there are in England and Wales; and if he will give a breakdown by individual local education authorities.

Mr. Dunn

It is estimated that in January 1987 there were approximately 720,000 surplus secondary school places in England. The Department does not collect information about the position in Wales or in individual local education authorities.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated total cost of providing surplus secondary school places.

Mr. Dunn

The premises-related costs of retaining a surplus secondary place are estimated at £200 a year. There is also an additional but unquantified teaching cost.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many surplus primary school places there are in England and Wales; and if he will give a breakdown by individual local education authorities.

Mr. Dunn

It is estimated that in January 1987 there were approximately 710,000 surplus primary school places in England. The Department does not collect information about the position in Wales or in individual local education authorities.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated total cost of providing surplus primary school places.

Mr. Dunn

The premises-related costs of retaining a surplus primary place are estimated at £120 a year. There is also an additional but unquantified teaching cost.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how he measures the pupil capacity of secondary schools.

Mr. Dunn

I shall write to my hon. Friend to explain how the stock of school places was assessed for the purpose of setting national targets for the removal of surplus places.