§ 3. Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if notice has yet been served on him by the Lancashire county council on education reorganisation in Rossendale.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Dr. Rhodes Boyson)Not yet, although my right hon. Friend is expecting proposals to be published in the near future.
§ Mr. TrippierIs my hon. Friend aware that there are detailed proposals to scrap the Bacup and Rawtenstall grammar school and the sixth form of Haslingden high school in my constituency? When these proposals reach him, or his right hon. Friend, will he bear in mind that these two schools are of the highest possible standard, as he is in a strong position to know?
§ Dr. BoysonI appreciate my hon. Friend's concern, but he will understand that if and when section 12 proposals about Rossendale come to the Department, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will have to judge them dispassionately and fairly. However, circular 4/82 shows that the record of proven sixth form academic success is one of the matters to which he will give careful consideration.