§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the estimated costs of reducing class sizes to under 30 for all pupils in primaries 1,2 and 3 in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000. [48349]
§ Mr. WilsonDetailed cost estimates are not available. The Government are committed to reducing class sizes to a maximum of 30 pupils in the first three years of primary education by August 2001. I recently announced the allocation to local authorities of £4 million this year to enable them to take early action towards meeting this target. The need for further resources for 1999/2000 and beyond is being considered in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review and in the light of advice received from joint working with COSLA and a number of local authorities. Further detailed guidance about cost estimates and plans will be made available to authorities as soon as possible.