asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the cost of educating a pupil in secondary education in England and Wales, including capital with current costs.

In the financial year 1978–79 the net recurrent cost per pupil at maintained secondary—including middle deemed secondary—schools in England and Wales was £564 at 1979 survey prices. The average capital cost for each new place was just over £3,000, representing an approximate annual cost equivalent of £300.