asked the Lord Privy Seal what was the financial provision made for the English Language Book Scheme in 1979–80 and what provision will be made in each year to 1983–84; and what will be the percentage increase or decrease in real terms for each of these years.

Expenditure in 1979–80 was £1.64 million. Provision of £0.97 million has been taken in the main Supply Estimates for 1980–81. This is likely to represent a reduction of a little under half in real terms. It is not the practice to announce forward planning figures.