§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education, in respect of determining the current expenditure limit on the basic needs building costs of a new secondary school place, what ratio is assumed between the notional number of pupils in the school and the actual pupil capacity in learning space at any one time which is the minimum necessary to ensure the essential flexibility required in a timetable for a fully occupied school meeting the requirements of the national curriculum.
§ Mr. ForthIn determining the distribution of annual capital guidelines to LEAs, allowance for the provision of new schools places is made on the basis of cost multipliers. These reflect the average cost of providing a new school place. They are based on actual LEA building projects, which are themselves subject to the space provision requirements of the school premises regulations.