To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils in Scottish schools gained passes in Highers at C or above in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1992–93, (iii) 1987–88, (iv) 1982–83, (v) 1977–78 in (a) French, (b) German, (c) other modern languages, (d) English, (e) mathematics, (f) history, (g) geography, (h) modern studies, (i) physics, (j) chemistry, (k) biology, (l) art, (m) music, (n) graphic design, (o) computing and (p) Latin, Greek or classical studies. [77264]

[holding answer 24 March 1999]: The information is shown in the following table, except for Graphic Design for which a Higher was not available. The figures will be affected by the overall increase in the number of S5 and S6 pupils from around 51,700 in 1977–78 to around 74,300 in 1997–98.

[holding answer 24 March 1999]: Expenditure on external consultancy by The Scottish Office, its executive agencies and associated departments in the years requested, is as follows:

£ million
1996–97	2.7
1997–98	2.5
1998–99	2.1

The information requested about expenditure by other public bodies is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Actual expenditure
£ million in cash terms
	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
Early and primary education	775	836	844	858	890	904
Secondary education	842	888	889	910	937	932
Further education	237	258	273	294	300	300
Higher education	431	508	835	900	924	924
Community education	73	81	83	85	88	86
Special educational needs	128	140	144	156	164	168
Other	266	290	321	323	344	367

Actual and planned expenditure
£ million in cash terms
			Planned expenditure
	Actual expenditure 1997–98		Estimated outturn1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02
Further education	293	289	330	359	395
Higher education	841	849	896	1,039	1,068
Other Central Government Expenditure	138	182	222	259	264
Local Authority Expenditure	2,375	2,438	2,591	2,703	2,809
Total	3,647	3,758	4,039	4,360	4,536

Actual expenditure
£ million in constant 1998–99 prices
	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
Early and primary education	929	970	954	956	964	950
Secondary education	1,009	1,031	1,005	1,014	1,015	979
Further education	284	299	309	328	325	315
Higher education	517	590	944	1,003	1,001	971
Community education	88	94	94	95	95	90
Special educational needs	153	162	163	174	178	177
Other	319	337	363	360	373	386
Total	3,299	3,483	3,831	3,930	3,950	3,867