HC Deb 27 July 1999 vol 336 cc187-8W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate of the number of primary school teachers was used to determine the print run of the numeracy strategy documents. [93373]

Ms Estelle Morris

The number of primary school teachers in England is estimated at 190,000. An initial print run of 300,000 copies of the Framework for teaching mathematics was commissioned for publication in March.

Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the criteria used in allocating the tender to print the numeracy strategy file for teachers to a company in Italy. [93376]

Ms Estelle Morris

We commissioned Cambridge University Press (CUP) to prepare the Framework for publication. CUP were selected because of its record in mathematical publications, its understanding of the pilot National Numeracy Project and the English National Curriculum. The selection of the printer was a matter entirely for CUP.

Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many copies of the numeracy strategy document for teachers were ordered from the printers; how many have been printed; how many schools have not received their full allocation to date; and when further copies will be made available. [93375]

Ms Estelle Morris

300,000 copies of the National Numeracy Strategy Framework for teaching mathematics were ordered and printed. Arrangements were made for all schools to receive three copies of the strategy's Framework on 16 March with over 200,000 copies available on request. A reprint of 200,000 copies was commissioned and all schools requesting additional copies received them before the end of summer term.