§ 9. Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to publish the report of Her Majesty's inspectors of schools on the effects of financial policies on educational standards in 1982.
§ Sir Keith JosephHer Majesty's inspectorate is preparing this report at present. The report will be published, as were those produced by HMI last year and the year before.
§ Mr. DobsonAs the report for last year was published as early as 5 April, is the Secretary of State delaying publication this year because it is embarrassing, or is it simply because of incompetence?
§ Sir Keith JosephPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will accept that I do not control the writing of the report or its completion. That is in the hands of HMI. When it is completed, it will be published.
§ Mr. BlackburnWill my right hon. Friend view this report with caution, especially when relating education standards to finance? My local authority is not among the high spenders in education, but it produces excellent results. The problem cannot be solved by throwing money at it.
§ Sir Keith JosephI agree with everything that my hon. Friend has said. The report is about the provision of education and not about its outcome.
§ Mr. Christopher PriceWill the Secretary of State ensure that the report this year makes public those authorities that have the highest level of provision and those that have the lowest level, rather than having the names of the authorities forced out of the Government after a hearing before the Select Committee?
§ Sir Keith JosephI do not control the contents of the report.
§ Mr. MadelIs it not a fact that previous reports have recognised the relationship between falling school rolls and education expenditure, and that there is no reason to believe that this report should not do the same?
§ Sir Keith JosephI am sure that Her Majesty's senior chief inspector will note my hon. Friend's comments.