§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what consideration he has given to changing place cost multipliers in assessing capital programme allocations to take into account real costs incurred by local authorities.
§ Mr. ForthThe cost-multipliers used in the calculation of cover for basic need projects are derived from analysis of actual costs incurred by local education authorities through projects to provide new places. They represent a challenging but achievable target.
My right hon. Friend will consider carefully any representations he receives about changing the means by which cover is provided to meet basic need.