§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the total numbers of (i) pupils and (ii) schools and (b) the total amount of public expenditure involved in the assisted places scheme for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the total expected savings from the abolition of the assisted places scheme in Wales. [3172]
557W
§ Mr. HainThe position over the last five years is as follows:
Financial year Number of pupils Number of schools Total cost £ 1992–93 700 8 2,457,230 1993–94 691 8 2,621,261 1994–95 720 8 2,771,504 1995–96 726 8 2,904,845 1996–97 887 14 3,462,320 Projected expenditure for 1997–98 is £4.5 million, for 1998–99 £5.1 million1 and 1999–2000 £5.7 million1. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the Education (Schools) Bill, total estimated savings once the scheme is phased out will amount to some £5.7 million per annum.
1 Planned provision for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 will be subject to review in the forthcoming public expenditure survey.