HC Deb 03 March 1966 vol 725 c1461
13. Mr. Hordern

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the concern felt in Crawley over the circumstances that influenced the decision to form the Ifield Grammar School and the Sarah Robinson Secondary Modern School into a comprehensive unit, he will now hold an inquiry.

Mr. Redhead

No, Sir.

Mr. Hordern

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is considerable disquiet in Crawley at the circumstances of this decision which an inquiry would help to dispel as well as help to restore confidence amongst teachers and parents?

Mr. Redhead

I can only say that it has not been customary to hold a public inquiry into matters of this kind. Normally procedures which allow the views of objectors to be conveyed to the Secretary of State give interested parties a full opportunity to express their views. This was certainly done on this occasion and, in any event, having intimated his approval, there is no power under the Act by which my right hon. Friend could reopen the matter.

Mr. Hogg

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that under the Statute there is power to hold an inquiry and, whilst I accept that it has not been customary to do so in the past, in view of the widespread nature of this kind of problem all over the country could not the Minister reconsider the practice?

Mr. Redhead

I was careful to say that it was not customary. I did not say there was no statutory power. I must emphasise that after the very careful review that my right hon. Friend has undertaken, it would not be appropriate to hold a public inquiry in these circumstances.