§ 21. Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he hopes to give a decision about the Southend-on-Sea Council's scheme for educational reorganisation in the borough.
§ Mr. Denis HowellShortly, Sir.
§ Mr. ChannonWill the hon. Gentleman confirm that he has taken note of the strong objections made to his Department about these proposals? Can he give me an undertaking that there will be a public inquiry before any decision is reached?
§ Mr. HowellWe cannot give that undertaking. It is because there are a number of objections which my right hon. Friend has to consider that I cannot go further than I did in answer to the original Question.