To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) how many schools were built between (a) 1997 and 2007 and (b) 1987 and 1997; and if he will make a statement; (225032)

School Building Investment Data was published by the Department in May 2007 based on information supplied by local authorities. This showed that between 1997-8 and 2006-7, 231 new additional schools were built, and 853 were rebuilt. The information also showed that between 1992 and 1997, 85 new additional schools were built, and 216 were rebuilt. The department does not hold information on the number of schools built between 1987 and 1992. A copy of the publication is held in the parliamentary Library.

The Department does not hold data on average expenditure on school buildings. Levels of investment are decided locally and authorities may add funding from other sources to the schools capital allocations they receive from Government.

Central Government capital support for investment in schools has increased from under £700 million in 1996-97 to £6.7 billion in 2008-9 and will rise further to £8.2 billion by 2010-11.