HC Deb 11 November 1975 vol 899 cc1125-6
13. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to receive the Report of the Taylor Committee on School Management.

Miss Joan Lestor

My right hon. Friend hopes that the committee's task will be completed within the next 18 months or so.

Mr. Duffy

Is the Minister aware that the city of Sheffield, part of which is repre sented by her right hon. Friend, is using the boards of managers and governors to foster a new type of relationship between the schools and the community? A recent survey by the local education authority suggests a certain degree of success already, because the system is creating a new channel of communication between the schools and the community.

Miss Lestor

That is a most interesting point. I hope that the Taylor Committee will take due notice of that information, which I am sure it will find helpful.

Mr. Freud

Is the Minister satisfied with the position. If the hon. Gentleman by her Department to those people who wish to be parent governors?

Miss Lestor

I am perfectly satisfied with the position. If the hon. Gentleman has a specific complaint I shall be happy to consider it.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Does not the situation which has arisen at the William Tyndale Junior School make it essential—[Interruption.] That is a matter for Mr. Speaker, not hon. Members opposite.

Mr. Cryer

That is for an Adjournment debate.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Does not that position make it a matter of great urgency that the committee and, indeed, the Department of Education, should consider whether arrangements should be made for the election or the appointment to governing bodies of an adequate number of parents with children at such schools? If that had been done, the type of situation which occurred at the William Tyndale school would not have arisen.

Miss Lestor

In my view the hon. Gentleman is prejudging the situation. He has no more knowledge than I whether parents, teachers or any other people were at fault in respect of the William Tyndale school. Until the inquiry has been completed it would be better for us to remain impartial.