asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement indicating the increase there has been in real terms in spending per pupil in primary schools for each of the last four years for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Primary School Pupils.
42.
The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
Government spending per Primary Pupil |
Increase/Decrease in real terms |
|
1984 |
£586 |
Decrease of £9 |
|
1985 |
£625 |
Increase of £7 |
|
1986 |
£660 |
Increase of £11 |
|
1987 |
£755 |
Increase of £74 |
The large increase in spending per pupil in 1987 was due in part to the advancement to 1987 of a salary payment to primary teachers which would normally have been due on 3 January 1988. In 1988, 3 January fell on a Sunday, the previous Friday was 1 January, a Bank Holiday, and salary therefore had to be paid on Thursday, 31 December 1987. It should be noted that the rates of increase in spending per pupil are given in real terms, taking account of the annual inflation rate.