HC Deb 20 October 1995 vol 264 cc388-9W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many extra assisted places she is planning to make available; what is the estimated cost of the extra places; and what will be the timetable for implementation. [37934]

Mrs. Gillan

Over time, we plan to double—to some 70,000—the number of assisted places available, starting next year. The rate of expansion will depend on parental demand and the supply of high quality places. Financial provision and other detailed arrangements will be announced later, in the context of the Government's public expenditure plans for 1996–97 onwards.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans she has to change the income threshold for the eligibility for the assisted places scheme; [38089]

(2) what plans she has to change the administrative arrangements for the assisted places scheme. [38090]

Mrs. Gillan

The income threshold and administrative arrangements for the assisted places scheme are governed mainly by the Education (Assisted Places) Regulations 1995, made under the Education Act 1980. These are reviewed and revised annually.