§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what money has been allocated nationally for the provision of school library facilities with regard to the introduction and running of the general certificate of secondary education examination system; what figure has been allocated to each local education authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Government's spending plans for 1988–89 include an extra £10 million for secondary school libraries in recognition of the heightened pressure for improvements resulting from the introduction of the GCSE. In addition to the above, over £100 million has been allowed in the plans for GCSE-related expenditure, of which £10 million is supported by specific grant for books and equipment. It is, however, for local authorities themselves to decide individually on the priority that they wish to give to secondary school library provision from the resources available to them.