§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many copies of the new Department of Education and Science factual news bulletin "ERA" have been distributed to maintained schools in the United Kingdom; and at what cost.
§ Mrs. RumboldA total of 750,000 copies of the factual news bulletin "ERA" have been distributed to maintained schools in England. Each primary and special school received 20 copies and each secondary school 60 copies. The total cost of producing and distributing the bulletin was £56,000 of which £31,000 was for distribution and postage.
§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether additional funding has been provided to finance the costs of the "ERA" bulletin currently being sent to schools in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe costs of the factual news bulletin "ERA" are being accommodated within the Department's existing financial provision for publicity.
§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether it is intended that the information contained in the Department of Education and Science factual bulletin "ERA" can be taken as an authentic legal definition of the terms of the Education Reform Act covered in the factual content of that bulletin.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Department of Education and Science factual bulletin "ERA" is intended to keep school teachers and governors informed about the changes to be implemented in schools following the Education Reform Act. It is concerned with the practical implementation of provisions of the Education Reform Act and does not set out to provide a legal definition of the terms of that Act. Only the courts can provide authoritative legal interpretation of an enactment.