asked the Minister for Education if he will state in relation to the fees subsidy scheme for secondary schools and in relation to the three categories, Catholic, Protestant and other, of such schools (1) the number of boarding pupils now at each category of school; and the number of schools in each category having boarding pupils; (2) details of the scheme for boarding pupils at each category of school, and the present situation in terms of schools and pupils in each category of school, with regard to acceptance of this aspect of the scheme; (3) the number of day pupils now at each category of school, and the number of schools in each category catering for day pupils; (4) the present situation, in terms of schools and day pupils in each category of school, in regard to acceptance of the fees subsidy scheme for day pupils; (5) in regard to boarding pupils who are due to benefit through acceptance of the fees subsidy how many schools and pupils in each category (a) now have fees below the accepted subsidy level, and what is the present average in each category, and (b) now have fees above the accepted subsidy level, and what is the present average in each category; (6) in regard to day pupils who are due to benefit through acceptance of the fees subsidy how many schools and pupils in each category (a) are to receive the minimum subsidy of £15, and what is the present average in each category, (b) are due to receive between £15 and £25, and what is the average subsidy figure, and (c) are to receive the maximum subsidy of £25, and what is the present average in each category.

There are no precise figures available in relation to the categories mentioned in the question. The general position as at present is:

* Pupil numbers based on present enrolments in the case of each existing school.

Boarding pupils generally are not covered by the scheme. In the special case of a pupil living on an island or in a remote area, the boarding school fee will be paid for him if he becomes a recognised pupil in a secondary boarding school in which the total fee does not exceed £120 per annum. It is not possible to say in advance how many pupils will avail themselves of this provision or how many boarding schools will provide for such pupils.

1. 202 of these are mixed day-boarding schools.

2. Of this 551 schools, 40 are under Protestant management and the question of "opting" does not arise.