§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what information he has on the number of schools which do not have sufficient places to meet the demand from parents for their children; and what provisions are proposed to enable schools to expand to meet the demand.
§ Mr. ForthThis information is not held centrally.
It is for local authorities to ensure that there are sufficient school places within their area to meet the demand. We have recently announced that we intend to make capital resources available to enable good schools which are popular with parents to expand, provided that, for schools which they maintain, the LEA give their application appropriate priority. We have consulted the local authority associations, denominational bodies and others concerned about this. Details of the operation of this initiative will be issued shortly to LEAs and others.