HC Deb 12 March 1991 vol 187 cc442-3W
23. Mr. Stern

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to move towards a system whereby education authorities are purchasers of education places other than providers thereof.

Mr. Fallon

Under local management of schools and more open enrolment, parents will now become the effective purchasers of school education as funds follow pupils to the school of their choice. By April 1993 at least 85 per cent. of potential school budgets must be delegated to the school, and at least 80 per cent. of each budget must be allocated to pupil numbers.