§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what work his Department has so far undertaken to implement the expansion of the assisted places scheme in Scotland; which bodies have been consulted about this, and when he expects to announce further movements on this issue. [39399]
§ Mr. Raymond S. Robertson[holding answer 26 October 1995]: Officials are currently considering possible options for expanding the assisted places scheme in Scotland, in line with our plans to double to around 6,000 the numbers of children whose parents would otherwise be unable to send them to a Scottish independent school.
We are consulting the Scottish Council of Independent Schools about how best to expand the scheme, taking account of the geographic spread. We will, however, seek to ensure that particular priority is given to extending choice and opportunity for the poorest families. We are aiming for the first additional places to be provided in the 1996–97 school session.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children on the assisted places scheme had parents whose relevant family income was(a) below £9,450, (b) between £10,000 and £15,000, (c) between £15,000 and £20,000 and (d) between £20,000 and £24,000 as defined by notes and definitions, section 1.3 of "The Scottish Office Statistical Bulletin, Education series", Ref. No. Edn/C5/1995/9, entitled "The Assisted Places Scheme 1983–84 to 1993–94", in the latest five years for which figures are available. [38878]
§ Mr. RobertsonThe available information is as follows: