§ 19. Mrs. CurrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about Derbyshire county council's proposals to cut swimming lessons in the county's schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from pupils, parents and schools in Derbyshire about the effect of budget reductions on the education service in the county, including provision of swimming.
The education element of Derbyshire's standard spending assessment has risen by nearly 15 per cent. between 1990–91 and 1991–92. That is a substantial increase which should enable the authority to finance an education service of high quality if it manages its affairs well.