§ 25. Mr. Weitzmanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will receive a deputation of parents and teachers following on the protest meeting to be 'held at the Central Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday, 6th November, in regard to the repercussions of the Greater London Plan on educational services in London.
§ Sir K. JosephI am afraid I cannot receive a deputation today; and if the protest refers to the L.C.C. area I do not understand it since the proposal is to retain the service intact, pending subsequent review. But if it is desired to discuss particular points following the meeting, I will certainly consult with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Education about arranging for this.
§ Mr. WeitzmanIf and when the right hon. Gentleman, together with the Minister of Education, is gracious enough to receive a deputation, will be bear in mind the tremendous indignation which has been evoked by this plan? Wall he also bear in mind that the plan, if carried through, will mean the break-up of one of the finest educational systems in the country, one which has been approved not only by the Royal Commission but by Her Majesty's Government?
§ Sir K. JosephThe hon. and learned Member should acquaint himself with the facts before tabling Questions like this one. The educational services of the L.C.C. are being left intact under our proposals.
§ Mr. M. StewartWhen the right hon. Gentleman says that they are being left intact, does that mean that the Government have abandoned their previously announced intention to review the proposed plan within five years with the object of seeing whether it can be broken up?
§ Sir K. JosephThat undertaking to review is still perfectly compatible with the fact that I have stated, namely, that the educational service in the L.C.C. area is being left intact.
§ Mr. StewartFor how long will it be left intact?
§ Sir K. JosephThat cannot be answered until the review has taken place and the then Parliament has decided.