HC Deb 01 April 1971 vol 814 cc1647-8
1. Mr. Leonard

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary school classes of more than 40 children there are in the London Borough of Havering; and what steps are being taken to eliminate overcrowding in primary schools in the borough.

The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. William van Straubenzee)

In January, 1970, 150. Figures for 1971 are not readily available but should be lower. 560 additional places will be provided by two new primary schools approved for starting in the period up to March, 1973.

Mr. Leonard

I welcome the progress which has been made, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are no grounds for satisfaction about the present position in Havering, which has easily the worst record for over-crowded classes of any London borough? Will the hon. Gentleman impress on the borough that to reduce the size of over-crowded classes must take priority over cutting local rates, which the council has perversely chosen to do this year?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I have no doubt that the position in Havering, which I accept is unsatisfactory, is very much in the mind of the local education authority.

2. Mr. Leonard

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what revised proposals she has received, since 18th June, 1970, from the London Borough of Havering, concerning the reorganisation of secondary education within the borough.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mrs. Margaret Thatcher)

None, Sir.

Mr. Leonard

Is the right hon. Lady aware that, despite the fact that all parents in the borough of Havering have received a personal letter from the education office assuring them that all the secondary schools in the borough will go comprehensive by 1972, the council is now actively considering a scheme which will introduce a super selective élite system of education, with 12 per cent. selection as against the present 25 per cent.? Will the right hon. Lady indicate sternly to the council that this is a gross breach of faith with both teachers and parents in the borough?

Mrs. Thatcher

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me the opportunity of pointing out that there can be no change in the character of any school unless the proper legal procedure under Section 13 of the Education Act, 1944, has been carried out, which gives two months for individual objections. Non-statutory plans have no basis whatsoever in law. It is only the legal procedure which counts.