§ 21. Dr. Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now approve the scheme submitted to her by the West Riding Education Authority for reorganisation of schools in the Goole district in September 1973.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasI understand that the local education authority is considering some limited revision of the proposals, related to the precise age-range of some of the schools as expressed in the public notices. Until she has received 1563 further information, my right hon. Friend will not, in fact, make her decision.
§ Dr. MarshallDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that until the scheme is approved for reorganisation next September there will be considerable uncertainty because no new appointments of teaching staff can be made? Also if the scheme is not approved for next September it will mean almost an emergency reimposition of totally undesirable selection procedures for the present year.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasI note those points which have been made by the hon. Gentleman, but I think he will agree that if slightly revised proposals are submitted a further period of two months must be allowed to elapse for the submission of any objections. That is required by law.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Mitchell, Question No. 22.
§ Mr. DormandOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Members who have Questions Nos. 22, 23 and 24 on the Order Paper will be asking their second Questions, whereas I, with Question No. 25—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. May I have the point of order at the end of Question Time, please?