HC Deb 15 June 1972 vol 838 c1718
27. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities have indicated to her that they wish to appoint pupils to the governing bodies of schools in their area; and what advice she has given.

Mrs. Thatcher

Two, both in relation to county schools. In such cases the appointment of governors and the constitution of governing bodies are matters for the local education authorities; but I have offered them the advice that the appointment as governors of persons under the age of 18 would appear to be unlawful.

Mr. Mitchell

I thank the right hon. Lady for her reply, but will she do her best to ensure that pupils are not appointed to governing bodies on which teachers are not represented?

Mrs. Thatcher

I have under consideration the question whether teachers should be able to serve as governors of their own schools, but there appear to be legal as well as other problems.