Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Cryer Excerpts

Monday 20th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

That is yet another clear example of why the school funding system needs to be reformed. Torbay receives £1,530 extra for each pupil on free school meals, while schools in other parts of the country can receive £5,000. However, as a result of last week’s announcement, Torbay will receive an additional £1.52 million and will continue to receive that funding because of the £390 million being baked into the school formula.

[John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

So why exactly have 800 children’s centres closed since the Conservatives—and, previously, the coalition—came to power?

[Mr Gyimah]

Yet again, the Labour party decides to confuse mergers with closures. As was said earlier—before the hon. Gentleman came into the Chamber—what we should care about is the outcomes for parents, rather than simply counting buildings.

[John Cryer]

I was here!

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman signals from a sedentary position that he has been present throughout the proceedings, so that is on the record.