Lamb To Challenge Clarke On Education Crisis 'In His Own Backyard'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Apr 2003

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, will tomorrow take on the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke, over the funding deficit being experienced by schools across Norfolk.

"Having received reports from head teachers across North Norfolk, it is clear that the deficit will have a significant effect," said Mr Lamb.

"Schools are looking at staff cuts just to make ends meet. Several headteachers have approached me in order to raise their concerns, and I am deeply worried about the situation. The County Council's announcement of an extra £500,000 of 'help' for Norfolk schools is to be welcomed, but it will not meet the whole of the shortfall.

"As a Norfolk MP himself, Charles Clarke should be well aware of the extent and seriousness of the education funding crisis in his own backyard. He surely cannot dismiss the serious concerns of Norfolk head teachers."