§ 17. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he plans to issue the regulations relating to the changes in the composition of the governing bodies of Church schools which results from the Education Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ 20. Mr. Brintonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made with the appointment of new governing bodies to denominational schools.
§ Dr. BoysonFollowing the recent agreement with the Church of England at national level on an appropriate model document and procedures, and in the light of the necessary informal preparatory work at local level, we are now able to press ahead with formal action on requests received for new-style instruments of government for their schools. The only regulations involved are those made last year under section 4 of the Education Act 1980 which remove the need for certain common-form provisions in individual instruments.
§ Mr. HannamWill my hon. Friend accept that his announcement that progress is at last being made with the implementation of the Act will be welcome throughout 708 Britain? Will he confirm that it is being carried out on a kind of ecclesiastical area-by-area basis? Will he say where Exeter stands in the list?
§ Dr. BoysonI am delighted to do so. Exeter is coming to the top of the list, and it will receive its offer early next year.
§ Mr. BrintonIn view of the delay, will my hon. Friend consider allowing the new governing bodies an extended period of office?
§ Dr. BoysonI shall consider my hon. Friend's request. I can also tell him that Rochester's articles will be going out before Christmas.