HC Deb 12 June 1969 vol 784 cc1646-7
14. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about the Wolverhampton Education Committee's policy regarding secondary reorganisation in the county borough; and what replies he has sent.

Miss Bacon

Apart from the concern which my hon. Friend has expressed recently on behalf of the Wolverhampton Labour Party, I have received representations from a number of Wednesfield residents objecting to the authority's statutory proposals for reorganisation in that area. I shall reply to the latter after 17th June when the time limit for objections has expired and I have made my decision.

Mrs. Short

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have had many letters from parents, teachers and teachers' organisations in both the Wolverhampton constituencies expressing concern at the attitude of the committee to comprehensive reorganisation, and that they are looking to her and her right hon. Friend to see that the Government's intentions are carried out in Wolverhampton? Will she assure us that that will be so?

Miss Bacon

As my hon. Friend knows, we were not able to agree to Wolverhampton's scheme. The two grammar schools were to be retained as selective schools. But, as my right hon Friend has said, it is his intention to introduce a Bill in the next Session of Parliament to ensure that all local authorities submit schemes for secondary reorganisation which will bring an end to selection at the age of 11.