HC Deb 27 June 1968 vol 767 c805
29. Dr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has now received a plan from the Norfolk County Council to reorganise its educational system on comprehensive lines.

Miss Bacon

No, Sir.

Dr. Gray

Will my right hon. Friend urge this dilatory council to some action? Is it not high time that it produced some proposals?

Miss Bacon

I have been in touch with Norfolk County Council and I understand that it is preparing a plan which I hope to receive in the near future.

Mr. J. E. B. Hill

Is the right hon. Lady aware that in Norfolk no final decisions about a child's education are taken at the age of 11, that there are all sorts of provisions for late developers and that the urgent priority in Norfolk is to do something about primary education? Is she not aware that Norfolk has a very good network of modern schools, but that the primary system is weak?

Miss Bacon

Of course primary education is very important, but I understand that Norfolk County Council is preparing a pattern of secondary reorganisation with middle schools for children aged 8 to 12 and upper schools for children of 12 to 18. I fail to see how that can interfere with the provision of primary education in Norfolk.

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