HC Deb 06 February 1979 vol 962 c194
11. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the proposed reorganisation of secondary education in Retford, Nottinghamshire.

Miss Margaret Jackson

My right hon. Friend is now considering the Nottinghamshire county council's proposal and expects to announce her decision shortly When she has reached that decision, I shall inform my hon. Friend.

Mr. Ashton

Is my hon. Friend aware that for two years the Tory county council has deliberately been playing politics with this scheme? Does she agree that this must end? Over £100,000 of public money has already been spent and the delay has caused chronic job insecurity among teachers and two extra years on the 11-plus scheme. Is she aware that the older people in the area are fed up with the delay? Will she put pressure on the county council to implement the original policy?

Miss Jackson

I accept that delay is undesirable, but my hon. Friend would not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's decision.