§ 1. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations she had with representatives of the teaching profession before withdrawing circular 1065.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)I have nothing to add to my speech in the House on 8th July.—[Vol 803, c. 676–88.]
§ Mrs. ShortI am glad that the right hon. Lady has now had discussions with members of the teaching profession. May we assume that this will be her future practice instead of rushing in and making statements beforehand? Can she say how many authorities have reacted to her 728 circular and how many will continue with comprehensive reorganisation?
§ Mrs. ThatcherI cannot answer specifically the last question at the moment. I have had a number of representations, some from teaching staffs in schools. In the case of one school I had two petitions, one for and one against the circular.