HC Deb 29 November 1977 vol 940 cc248-9
7. Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations she has had with the Lancashire County Council Education Authority about the introduction of a fully comprehensive system of secondary education; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Officials have had numerous discussions with the authority's officers during recent weeks about various schemes for the comprehensive reorganisation of schools in Lancashire.

Mr. Noble

Does my hon. Friend agree that we cannot have comprehensive education where there is a scattering of comprehensive schools in a selective system? Will she press the Lancashire County Council, therefore, to get rid of the hotch-potch in Rossendale and ensure that when it is replaced we do not get the kind of system that has been proposed by the county council for Burnley?

Miss Jackson

We are indeed opposed to the retention of selective schools, and I understand that in Lancashire only 21 schools remain selective. We hope to see speedy progress towards their change to comprehensive schools. As for the schemes that may be put forward, this is a matter for the authority at this stage.

Mr. Churchill

Is the hon. Lady aware that last Sunday night a substantial proportion of Wellacre secondary school was burned to the ground? Will she ask her right hon. Friend to undertake to give every assistance to the Trafford Education Authority to see that proper provision is made for the accommodation of the children and for the rebuilding of those classrooms?

Miss Jackson

It is up to the authority to give priority to problems of this kind. However, we normally look sympathetically at such difficulties.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

Does not my hon. Friend consider it absurd that, with comprehensive education having been introduced in Ormskirk, the governors of the former Ormskirk Grammar School should now wish to maintain that name for the school—a reflection on the snobbishness of the governors and those who support them, and something that will be socially divisive? Will my hon. Friend assure me that she will take positive action to ensure that that name does not remain in being?

Miss Jackson

I am not sure that I have any power to take such action. But I must agree that it is an extraordinary step to take. I wonder whether it comes within the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Acts as an inaccurate description.