HC Deb 09 April 1970 vol 799 cc722-3
3. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will publish a White Paper with his proposals for further legislation on education.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Edward Short)

I hope to publish a statement on future legislation this summer.

Mr. Lane

After publication of the White Paper, and in addition to any discussions by the House, would the right hon. Gentleman consider as a constitutional innovation, in view of the great importance of this matter, the holding of a series of public hearings at which the proposals could be vetted and the Government cross-examined by individuals and interested organisations?

Mr. Short

No, I would not commit myself to that. There will be a Green Paper, and I hope there will be the widest discussion extending over a number of months before we finalise our views.

Mrs. Thatcher

But I thought the Green Paper was to be published this May. The right hon. Gentleman now says that it will be this summer. Does he mean to put back publication?

Mr. Short

I think May is probably in the summer. I do not know whether it will be out at the beginning of May, but it will be during the early part of the summer.