§ Mr. TrimbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made to date in714W the consultations with interested parties, with particular reference to future TSN values and methods of allocations and funding for grounds. [21229]
§ Mr. WorthingtonUnder changes announced to LMS formulae for 1998–99 the overall TSN allocation to the voluntary grammar school sector will be reduced to reflect the fact that they do not have significant problems of educational disadvantage. Further consultations with educational interests on the allocation of TSN resources will begin later this year. Those consultations will focus on more effective targeting of TSN money at the most needy schools.
Funding for voluntary grammar schools' grounds and pitches will be retained in 1998–99, at a reduced rate, pending further consideration of the issue. A further round of consultations with schools on this and other proposals for further changed in the formula finding arrangements will also be held later this year.