HC Deb 20 December 1983 vol 51 cc256-7
2. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies are in hand to examine the relationship between academic results and the form of organisation of secondary schools.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Sir Keith Joseph)

The Department is not currently sponsoring any research studies which are concerned solely with this topic but it is assessing the possibilities for research in this area as a preliminary to considering whether public funds should be committed to it.

Mr. Greenway

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that his statisticians are now satisfied, contrary to earlier press reports, that recent research into examination results in grammar, secondary modern and comprehensive schools for the National Council of Educational Standards by Lady Cox and Dr. Marks was valid, based on a proper sample and professionally sound? Will my right hon. Friend consider the NCES equally with the National Children's Bureau and other similar bodies for grant purposes, as both do valid research? Does he agree—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman has asked about three questions already.

Mr. Greenway

Will my right hon. Friend repudiate the blacking of that research by Opposition Members and some educational ideologues because they dislike its findings?

Sir Keith Joseph

It is clear from the letter by my statisticians, which by normal convention I do not publish, that they never used the word "flawed" in referring to the report. They have accepted that the samples which were used for the report were valid and that the difference between them and the report is one which is often argued between professional researchers about the extent to which regression analyses should be used.

I regret that the officials who advise me on this and other subjects have been accused of acting with political motives. One has been named in that context. I am satisfied that officials who advise me tender advice which is objective, that they well understand and respect Government policy, that it is for local education authorities to propose changes in the organisation of schools and that the holder of my office should decide each case on its merits.

As to my hon. Friend's other question, I shall consider all proposals for research on their merits.

Mr. Radice

I thank the Secretary of State for his handsome apology to me for misrepresenting my letter to The Times of 3 December at the Report stage of the Education (Grants and Awards) Bill. Is he aware that the question still remains whether he is prepared to accept the professional advice of his Department that the Cox and Marks study seriously underestimated the impact of social and economic factors on examination results? Will he now reassure the House that he intends to live up to the standards of his high office and his personal standards as a Fellow of All Souls and re fuse to give the backing of public moneys to Cox and Marks, who have broken the cardinal rule of research by fixing the evidence to produce the results which confirm their own particular prejudice?

Sir Keith Joseph

I deny the proposition about the attitude of Cox and Marks. The area of disagreement is one that often occurs with statisticians, and I shall consider all proposals on their merits.