HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 cc1867-8
4. Mr. Kitson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the planned amalgamation of the four local education authorities in the Tees-side area, he will seek to implement a unified policy for secondary education there so that all four education authorities may reorganise their secondary education on the same lines; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

When I consider the secondary reorganisation schemes of the three existing local education authorities involved, I shall take into account the fact that the new Tees-side Authority is to come into existence in 1968.

Mr. Kitson

Would it not be better if there were discussions at this stage be- tween the local authorities? There is a good deal of fear in the Tees-side area that there is not enough co-ordination between authorities.

Mr. Crosland

I understand that the authorities concerned have already set up a Joint Steering Committee, which itself has set up an education sub-committee, which ought to provide the forum for discussion which the hon. Gentleman wants.