HC Deb 07 April 1981 vol 2 cc800-1
4. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has received during the past 12 months concerning the transfer to county councils of powers in respect of education which were previously held by city or district councils.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Mark Carlisle)

None, Sir.

Mr. Janner

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the deep anger and frustration which is felt in the city of Leicester—[Laughter]—and which is no laughing matter there, because the local authority believes that the destruction of the city's education system is caused by its transfer to a Tory-dominated county authority, which has no concept of the problems of deprivation in a city? Will he not see that those powers are transferred back so that the entire system, including nursery schools, which are in a particularly bad way can be reconstructed on an understanding basis?

Mr. Carlisle

If the local authority is as angry and frustrated as the hon. and learned Gentleman says, it is surprising that it has made no representations to me about the matter.

Mr. Latham

Does my right hon. and learned Friend realise that the electors and ratepayers of Leicestershire wish that the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner) would fight the battles of the future, not those of the past?

Mr. Carlisle

It is important that we should have a period of stability in the organisation of education.

Mr. Ashley

Is the Minister aware that the city of Stoke-on-Trent feels the anger and frustration mentioned by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner), and has referred it to the Minister? It is a city of a quarter of a million people, with a fine educational record, yet its educational services are run from the small town of Stafford. Why does not the Minister restore local democracy?

Mr. Carlisle

I can only repeat what I said to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner). I am advised that I have received no representations during the last 12 months from any city about that matter. Even if I did, I have no intention of making changes in the distribution of responsibility for education, as I believe that it is right to have a period of stability.

Mr. Janner

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.