HC Deb 02 November 1976 vol 918 c1174
1. Mr. Brittan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects the Taylor Committee to complete its deliberations.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science and Paymaster General (Mrs. Shirley Williams)

I hope to receive the Committee's report by next Easter.

Mr. Brittan

Does the Secretary of State agree that when the report is published, if effect is to be given to the Government's new-found enthusiasm for the maintenance of standards in education it will be important to reject any suggestion that the rôle of governors and managers in the supervision of the curriculum should be diminished in any way?

Mrs. Williams

The Government have been concerned about standards throughout their period in office. It would be unwise to anticipate my decision on the Taylor Committee's recommendations.

Mr. Beith

Does the Secretary of State not share the hope that the outcome will be a bigger rôle for parents in school management and government? Could it not result in being something of an answer to the concern expressed by the Prime Minister that if parents were more involved in education there would be more effective pressure for basic standards than can be provided from the centre?

Mrs. Williams

I am anxious to involve parents. That is why the Government have made clear that for the first time parents will be involved in consultations about proposals for the curriculum.

Mr. Molloy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in many schools the managers and governors are parents?

Mrs. Williams

That is true, but my hon. Friend will know that there are differences between local authorities. Increased parental participation is something which the Government wish to encourage.