§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made as to how many of those pupils currently covered by the assisted places scheme would have entered private education without the support offered by the scheme.
§ Mr. ForthVery few. Over 80 per cent. of parents covered by the scheme have annual incomes below the national average and about 40 per cent. have incomes so low that the pupil is entitled to a free place. Such parents could not afford to meet school fees themselves.