§ 21. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to the number of grammar schools in the South Dorset constituency which will be affected in the foreseeable future by plans for comprehensive education.
§ Mr. PrenticeI am aware that the Dorset Local Education Authority is considering possible schemes of comprehensive education in parts of the county, but it has not made any proposals to my right. hon. Friend affecting the future of the two grammar schools in the South Dorset constituency.
§ Mr. KingMay we assume that the necessary urgent building improvements to grammar schools in which Dorset people take great pride will not be held up because of any hypothetical reorganisation which might take place in future?
§ Mr. PrenticeIt is not the intention of the Government that any improvements scheduled in our programmes should be held up by reorganisation proposals.
§ Mr. ChatawayDoes that mean that the Minister does not rule out the rebuilding of grammar schools in subsequent building programmes?
§ Mr. PrenticeMy right hon. Friend will be issuing a circular to local authorities on that matter. That will be in a week or two, but I think that it would be better for the House to await that circular because this is one of the issues with which it will deal.