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School Books (Financial Provision)

Volume 984: debated on Tuesday 6 May 1980

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28.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average sum for each child in both primary and secondary schools which he expects to be provided by local education authorities during 1980–81 for the purchase of books; and how this figure will compare with provision in 1979–80.

For 1980–81 the Government's expenditure plans embodied in the rate support grant settlement assume that, nationally, per capita standards in schools should be maintained in real terms; it is, however, for each local authority to determine its own pattern of expenditure in the light of local needs and circumstances. Details of actual expenditure by local education authorities in 1979–80 are not yet available, but in 1978–79 average expenditure on books per pupil in primary schools was £4·20 and in secondary schools, £7—November 1978 prices.