HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 cc329-30W
13. Mr. Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received about class sizes in primary schools in West Sussex. [68884]

Mr. Charles Clarke

Since August last year the Department has received 12 representations from West Sussex about class size policy.

17. Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on class sizes in primary schools. [68889]

Ms Estelle Morris

We have passed legislation to limit the size of infant classes for 5, 6 and 7-year-olds to 30 or under by September 2001 at the latest. We are providing £620 million which should enable the limit to be met in virtually all schools by September 2000. The limits apply to pupils in infant classes only. We have concentrated on these classes as it is in the early years that the benefit of smaller classes can have greatest effect.

24. Mr. Derek Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he plans to introduce in respect of the additional funding for the reduction of class sizes to assist local education authorities and diocesan authorities. [68896]

Ms Estelle Morris

We will be providing a total of £560 million over the next three years to enable schools and local education authorities to employ additional teachers and build extra classrooms to reduce infant class sizes. That comes on top of the £67 million already allocated to reduce class sizes for over 100,000 infants from last September.

25. Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when and for what reason he took the decision to cap the amount allowed per teacher in local education authority bids to reduce infant class sizes at £23,500. [68897]

Ms Estelle Morris

We have made clear that funding allocations will ensure that all local education authorities have sufficient resources to implement their class size plans as approved. We are working closely with authorities to reach agreed solutions which meet all our policy objectives and provide good value for money. Decisions about funding will reflect these priorities and the need to ensure equity across the country.