§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average cost of a place under the music and ballet scheme; how many children currently hold places; and what was the total cost of the scheme in the last year for which figures are available. [1951]
§ Mr. ByersIn the current academic year 1996–97 there are 644 children aided under the music and ballet scheme at an average cost of £13,858 per pupil. The cost includes boarding provision and intensive specialist tuition and training. The total cost of the scheme in financial year 1996–97 was £7.9 million.