asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average cost per place of providing education in: (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and in England and Wales, respectively.

Estimates of costs per pupil are given in Education Estimates Statistics, published jointly by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and the Society of County Treasurers, copies of which are in the Library. For the financial year 1976–77, at November 1975 pay and price levels, they are as follows:

	Primary	Secondary
	£	£
Berkshire lea	270	413
Buckinghamshire lea	266	456
England and Wales	273	419

The costs reflect the nett recurrent institutional costs per pupil, including transport between home and school. Loan charges and revenue contributions to capital outlay are excluded.