§ 8. Mr. Berryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what grounds he reached a decision on the further proposals for the reorganisation of secondary education in the London Borough of Enfield.
§ Mr. CroslandI was satisfied that these further proposals provided a sound basis for the reorganisation of secondary education in the borough.
§ Mr. BerryIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of his earlier Answer, the parents were never consulted about this scheme? Does he think that the joining together of schools widely apart, and in one case even separated by a major trunk road, to form a comprehensive school, as opposed to a purpose-built comprehensive school, is in the best interests of the children, or is at this or any other time likely to accord with the views of the people of the area?
§ Mr. CroslandThe hon. Gentleman will know from the fact that I rejected the earlier version of the scheme that I paid great attention to a number of objections which the parents put forward. I was prepared to accept a substantially revised version precisely because the problem of schools in split premises seemed to be substantially solved. Instead of the original proposals, the authority suggested a number of two-tier systems which left much more autonomy for separate schools. Bearing in mind all that the parents had said the first time round, as it were, I thought that the second revised proposals were reasonable.
§ Mr. BerryOn a point of order. I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.