HC Deb 30 March 1976 vol 908 cc1096-7
18. Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions he has had with the ILEA about the implementation of the provisions of the Education Bill.

Mr. Mulley

My officials and I have been in touch with the ILEA several times in the past few weeks about the effect of the Education Bill.

Mr. Morrison

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Minister of State has given way to the demands by the ILEA on banding? Are his views similar to those of his hon. Friend?

Mr. Mulley

I am not exactly sure what the hon. Gentleman is trying to say. As I understand it, a group of amendments was moved during Committee stage and defeated. So far as I know no changes have been made to the Bill. My hon. Friend the Minister of State stated very clearly the Government's position about banding.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any representations from the heads of London secondary schools in favour of the banding arrangements proposed in the Education Bill?

Mr. Mulley

There is a later question on the Order Paper on this subject. We have had deputations from head teachers. I accept that the banding problem in the ILEA is very difficult. I would hope that the best way to resolve it would be a quick conclusion to the Committee stage of the Bill, so that we can resume the argument on the Floor of the House.