§ 27. Mr. Van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply he has sent to the proposals for secondary reorganization submitted to him by the County Borough of Reading.
§ Miss BaconWe have said that Reading's plan as a whole is unacceptable because it makes no proposals for changing the character of the two county grammar schools.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeDid the right hon. Lady hear her right hon. Friend say a moment ago that he did not believe in telling other people how to do their own job? Will she tell him that if he interferes for party political reasons, he will have the fight of his life on his hands?
§ Miss BaconI agree with my right hon. Friend that in details we should not dictate to people what to do. Nevertheless, it is the general policy of the Government to get rid of selection at the age of 11, and we will not endorse any proposals which leave the grammar schools intact.
§ Mr. John LeeIs my right hon. Friend aware that her reply will be widely welcomed on this side of the House? Will she urge my right hon. Friend to show the robustness in these matters which he has already shown in his dealings with other local authorities which have shown a reactionary attitude?