---

School Places (Independent Sector)

Mr. St.Aubyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places were bought from independent schools by his Department during 1998-99 outside the assisted places scheme; and at what cost. [107023]

Ms Estelle Morris: Under the Government's Music and Ballet Scheme and Choir School Scholarship Scheme, 693 aided places and 72 chorister places were supported at a total cost of £9.7 million in financial year 1998-99. Apart from the Assisted Places Scheme, the Department does not otherwise buy places directly from independent schools.

Teacher Training

Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the average spending on teacher training provision by London education authorities during the current year. [107124]

Ms Estelle Morris: The information requested is not collected centrally.

---

---