§ 29. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now seek powers to ensure more democratic representation on school governing bodies.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerNo, Sir. But I will consider whether any guidance is desirable to appointing bodies when I receive the results of the research project on the functions of school managers and governors which is being conducted by the London University Institute of Education with help from my Department.
§ Mr. PriceIs my right hon. Friend aware that, while the position in many 644 parts of the country is satisfactory, there are examples of school governing bodies being elected by the "old boy network", with no regard for democracy?
Mr. WalkerAny system is dependent upon the appointing bodies making sensible choices. I must consider whether or not to give guidance on the matter, but as I have set up an inquiry I had better await its results.
§ Dr. WinstanleyWill the right hon. Gentleman encourage representation of the parents' association on these bodies?
Mr. WalkerI am much in favour of that, and I will consider, when giving advice, whether I should include that view or not.