Multi-Academy Trusts: Salaries

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Excerpts

Thursday 14th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

Noble Lords would not be saying that if they had a child who had just received an Oxbridge offer and had been there on free school meals. On the broader question of funding in the system, we announced last year an additional £1.3 billion. We have announced plans to reform the national funding formula so that disparities across the system are gradually ironed out. We are doing a great deal to support schools in becoming more efficient, which I can perhaps deal with in responding to later questions.

[Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)]

My Lords, given the concern on the Liberal Benches about salary levels and value for money, and given the fantastic success of the Harris academics—I have visited four of the schools—might my noble friend the Minister consider commissioning an inquiry to demonstrate that value for money? Perhaps he might ask Mr Nick Clegg to lead it.

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

The question answers itself. I would not want Nick Clegg anywhere near government now that—