§ 21. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the London Borough of Croydon's further reply to him on the reorganisation of secondary education there.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Anthony Crosland)The authority submitted its formal reply to Circular 10/65 on 22nd December, 1966. On 1st March, 1967, I informed the authority that its proposals were 1353 not acceptable and suggested that discussions might take place between representatives of the authority and officers of the Department to consider possible lines on which alternative and more acceptable proposals might be prepared. A meeting took place on 4th April, following which the authority will now reconsider its reply to Circular 10/65.
§ Mr. WinnickIs my right hon. Friend aware that many parents in my constituency are uncertain about what will happen? Does he feel that there is any way in which this dispute can be resolved between the Secretary of State and his Department and the London Borough of Croydon?
§ Mr. CroslandI am well aware of the feelings among parents in my hon. Friend's constituency. I would not like to put the word "dispute" into the picture. I very much hope, from the tone and atmosphere of the meeting on 4th April to which I have referred, that we shall come to an amicable conclusion of this matter. For my part, the sooner the better.