§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education when her Department last raised the base of surplus places in schools with Lancashire county council; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe Department has had no specific contact with Lancashire county council on the issue of surplus places. In January 1994, there were 12,398–9 per cent.—primary surplus school places and 11,754–13 per cent.—secondary surplus school places in Lancashire LEA. Pupil population growth and the authority's plans to rationalise some provision will reduce the amount of surplus from these levels.