Vol. 447 No. 11
186 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education if she will give materials grants to schools which have been designated as disadvantaged in view of the increase in the cost of materials used, in particular the change from chipboard to MBE. [1518/95]
Costs associated with the purchase of class materials are met by schools from the grants which they receive towards general running costs. Grants towards the general running costs of schools were increased in 1994. In addition, schools which are officially designated as disadvantaged were, for the first time, given extra grants.
I have no proposals for the introduction of additional materials grants for disadvantaged schools.
My Department has not requested schools to change from chipboard to medium density fiberboard in their woodwork classes. The selection of material is a matter for individual schools.
