§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much central Government have contributed to the local education authority training grants scheme in each of the past five years; how much they plan to contribute up to 1991–92; and if he will make a statement on the trend in the central Government contribution in percentage terms.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe table shows how much money the Government have made available through the scheme, and how much expenditure this has supported, for each financial year since the scheme began:
England and Wales. (£000s) Year Total expenditure supported Total government grant allocated Per cent 1987–88 205,360 108,510 53.0 1988–89 218,937 125,700 57.0 1989–90 227,380 131,640 58.0 1990–91 229,090 134,165 59.0 1991–92 1— — 1 Not yet determined. Under the former in-service teacher training grants scheme, which this scheme replaced, a further £17.27 million was made available in 1985–86 and £20.74 million in 1986–87 to support in-service training.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State For Education and Science how much is currently spent on in-service training for teachers; and if he will also express this figure as a percentage proportion of the total teachers' salaries bill.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthLocal education authorities in England have indicated that they are planning to spend £289 million on the in-service training of teachers in 1989–90. This represents about 4 per cent. of the total teachers salary bill for that year. Support for in-service training is also available through the Universities Funding Council, the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council, the Open University, the National Curriculum Council and other agencies.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to set up a national advisory body for in-service training and teachers.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthNone.