HC Deb 28 February 1989 vol 148 c143W
56. Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for assisting local authorities in reducing surplus places in schools; and if he will make a statement.

74. Mr. Barron

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for assisting local authorities in reducing surplus places in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

Local education authorities are aware of the high cost of under-used capacity at schools with a substantial proportion of surplus places. They recognise therefore that it is very much in their own interests to continue to come forward with proposals to rationalise their school provision where appropriate. The Government's public expenditure plans assume that authorities collectively will achieve the national targets for the removal of surplus places.