HC Deb 17 December 1974 vol 883 cc369-70W
33. Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has now received a reply from the Kent County Council to his Circular 4/74; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Armstrong

The reply was received earlier this month. It is under consideration.

36. Mr. Norman Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a further statement on the progress of his plans to introduce comprehensive education.

Mr. Armstrong

I have as yet nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to Questions by the hon. Member and others on 19th November.— [Vol. 881, c. 1077.]

38. Mr. Norman Lamont

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what meetings he has had with the teaching profession about his plans for the introduction of comprehensive education.

Mr. Armstrong

My right hon. Friend consulted the teacher associations before issuing Circular 4/74. That circular also encouraged local education authorities to consult with teachers and parents before submitting proposals to him for the reorganisation of schools.

44. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schemes for the introduction of comprehensive schools have been submitted by local authorities since February 1974 ; and what consideration has been given to them.

Mr. Armstrong

Since my right hon. Friend came into office 82 statutory notices have been published under Section 13 of the Education Act 1944, mostly by local education authorities but in some cases by the governors or promoters of voluntary schools, relating to the submission of proposals for 169 secondary comprehensive schools, whether newly established or to be formed by the reorganisation of existing schools. Of these he has approved 12 sets of proposals, to give 48 schools, together with 66 sets of proposals submitted during his predecessor's term of office, to give 113 schools. He has rejected one set of proposals—two schools —submitted during his term of office together with four sets of proposals—12 schools—submitted earlier. The remaining proposals are still under consideration.