§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how he proposes to offer opportunities for integrated education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe Government remain committed to maximising the opportunities for parents to opt for integrated schools for their children. Support and advice is available from the NI Council for Integrated Education to any group from the community who wish to establish an integrated school, with the Integrated Education Fund providing assistance with early capital costs. The Department of Education provides 100 per cent. recurrent funding for new schools from day one, and 100 per cent. capital grants as soon as a school's viability is confirmed.354W These measures have enabled rapid growth in the number of integrated schools: there are now 21 schools with a combined enrolment of some 4,000 pupils.