Education Vouchers (Hansard, 26 April 1983)

§ 3. Mr. Watson
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he can report any further developments from his investigations into the feasibility of education vouchers.

§ Sir Keith Joseph
I am still considering various possibilities, including education vouchers, to extend parental choice and responsibility in education.

§ Mr. Watson
In view of the widespread opposition and minimal support that has been generated in the recent debate on education vouchers, should not the whole subject be dropped?

§ Sir Keith Joseph
It is a little premature to come to a conclusion either way. All concerned would agree that so far the case for vouchers has not been explicitly put. All that I have said is that the idea has some attraction to me. No decision has been made, and it would be premature at this stage to come to one.

§ Mr. Allan Roberts
Is the Secretary of State still discussing a voucher scheme with the Sefton metropolitan district council? Is he planning any pilot schemes, including one for the Sefton metropolitan district council area? Is he planning to introduce such schemes, and, if so, when?

§ Sir Keith Joseph
The answers to those three questions are no, no, and no decision has been made.

§ Mr. Brinton
Will my right hon. Friend reconsider whether the best way to persuade and clarify the minds of hon. Members on vouchers might be to introduce pilot schemes?

§ Sir Keith Joseph
If any voucher proposal were put forward, it is probable that it would include a pilot element; but for that legislation would be necessary, and no decision has been made by the Government.

§ Mr. Dobson
Will the Secretary of State guarantee that he will not come to the House again and complain that no one has made an explicit case for vouchers, when he appears to be the only person who supports them? Is not this another way of indulging his usual penchant for self-criticism?

§ Sir Keith Joseph
No, I am making a genuine point. There is a strong case for increasing parental choice, and the Government are considering various ways in which that might be achieved.