§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he intends to introduce a new scheme for assisted places; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonThe assisted places scheme has been in operation since 1981 and has provided the opportunity for many thousands of youngsters from familiies on lower incomes to benefit from the education provided by good independent schools. There will be 35,000 places available in the scheme by the mid-1990s, following the admission of new schools to the scheme this academic year, many in the north of England.
We have no plans to introduce any new scheme.