§ 9. Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities have still not submitted plans for comprehensive reorganisation covering their whole areas.
§ Mr. MulleySeven local education authorities have refused to submit plans for the total elimination of selection for secondary education in their areas and a further 13 have not yet submitted complete responses to Circular 4/74.
§ Mr. OvendenDoes not that answer reveal that a considerable number of local authorities are determined to obstruct or delay the implementation of comprehensive reorganisation unless my right hon. Friend is prepared to introduce legislation forcing them to do so? Has his attention been drawn to statements by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Kent Education Committee saying that comprehensive reorganisation in parts of that county would not be effective until the 1980s or the 1990s? Has my right hon. Friend's attention also been drawn to the refusal of the education committee even to discuss plans for reorganisation in parts of the county, including my own constituency?
§ Mr. MulleyMy hon. Friend knows the legal position. I am sure that he will agree that since I was appointed in June the parliamentary timetable has been fully occupied. There has been no opportunity for legislation in the present Session. However, he will know from my consultative document that the need for legislation is very much in my mind.
§ Mr. MayhewAre not these education authorities—especially the Kent authority—to be congratulated on giving effect to the Charter of Human Rights, which specifies that parents shall have the right to choose their children's education?
§ Mr. MulleyI do not think that that arises in any sense from the original Question and my Answer to it.