HC Deb 05 February 1980 vol 978 cc227-8
12. Mr. William Shelton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy regarding the transport of immigrant children by bus to different schools in order to avoid a large concentration of immigrant children in one school.

Mr. Macfarlane

This is purely a matter for local education authorities to determine in the light of the educational needs of the children concerned, local circumstances and the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976. My right hon. and learned Friend welcomes the fact that most authorities do not find it necessary to bus children from ethnic minority groups.

Mr. Shelton

May I tell my hon. Friend how much I agree with the last part of his answer? Does he agree that such action would generally dislocate communities, except in the most exceptional cases, and smacks more of social engineering than education?

Mr. Macfarlane

I endorse everything that my hon. Friend has said. It must remain the responsibility of local education authorities. If there are problems within adjoining communities, local education authorities should consult each other closely, together with the ethnic minority leaders.

Mr. Dubs

Will the Minister tell his hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Shelton) that the use of the word "immigrant" is incorrect when applied to children who have been born in this country?

Mr. Macfarlane

I dare say that my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Shelton) has heard what the hon. Gentleman has said.