Written question asked by Stephen Dorrell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 February 1998. It was answered by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 1998 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will comment on the division of funding between local and central government for the Literacy Initiative. - Inc figs. (Holding answer 16 February 1998).

Answer: Mr. Dorrell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the division of funding between local and central government for the Literacy Initiative. [29487] Mr. Byers: [holding answer 16 February 1998]: For 1998-99 the Government have allocated £59 million on expenditure through the Standards Fund for the raising of literacy standards. The Government and LEAs will share equally the responsibility for funding that expenditure, providing 50 per cent. each. In addition central government has recently provided £22 million to schools, via local education authorities, to purchase reading books, for expenditure in 1997-98.

Secondary information