HC Deb 20 June 1978 vol 952 cc196-8
8. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she intends to introduce legislation to implement the Taylor Report on school governing and managing bodies.

Miss Margaret Jackson

In the light of her consideration of the Taylor Report, my right hon. Friend intends to introduce legislation on some aspects of school management and government as soon as the parliamentary timetable permits.

Mr. Knox

In view of the concern by many peope about appointments to school governing and managing bodies, does not the hon. Lady think that this matter is rather more urgent? Is it not important to ensure that the people who get on to these bodies have a real interest in education and in the schools concerned rather than merely being political appointees?

Miss Jackson

I agree with the hon. Member. It is a source of much dismay to the Government that recently a number of Conservative authorities have thrown everyone off their governing bodies other than those who are prepared to support Tory Party policy. We feel that much action on the report can be taken, and, of course, it does not all need legislation. Therefore, it is within the power of those local authorities to introduce such changes now. But we hope to introduce legislation as soon as possible.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend prepared to look at an apparent anomaly whereby a school manager or governor who is a councillor can get some form of remuneration or expenses whereas a school governor or manager who is not a councillor gets nothing? It would appear that this is at the discretion of the local authority. Will my hon. Friend look at and try to regularise the position?

Miss Jackson

There is much at present which is at the discretion of the local authority, and we shall have to look at all these matters when we consider our legislative proposals.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Does not the hon. Lady think that the role of parents in the running of schools and in serving on managing and governing bodies is of the utmost importance? Does she not agree also that in the main the local authorities, especially the parish councils, play a vital role in the running of these schools? Will she assure the House that the relationship between local councils and governing and managing bodies will continue in any legislation that her right hon. Friend introduces?

Miss Jackson

I accept what the hon. Member says about the role of parents. As I have said several times, we hope that local authorities will take steps, which they are free to take at present, to involve parents more in the management and governing of schools. As for the hon. Member's comments about minor authorities such as parish councils, we are still in the process of consultation, but we have indicated already that we are not convinced that the suggestion in the Taylor Report that the right of minor authorities to nominate to governing bodies should be withdrawn is the right approach, and we shall also be considering that.