§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice she has offered to the Funding Agency for Schools regarding publicity for agency proposals to open new grant-maintained schools; what financial limits are imposed in each case; and if she will make a statement. [5251]
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy Department issued general guidance, in circular 23/94, regarding consultations prior to the publication of statutory proposals. The Funding Agency for Schools is under a statutory duty to consult on its proposals to establish new grant-maintained schools. It is for the agency to decide what are appropriate consultations in the light of guidance from the Secretary of State and to determine expenditure accordingly.