HC Deb 05 July 1983 vol 45 c149
20. Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about the structure of education provision in inner London.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have received no recent representations on this subject.

Mr. Cox

Is the Secretary of State aware that in school after school in inner London, PTAs are now fighting to retain teacher ratios and for increased expenditure on amenities? Their problem is the shortage of financial help from the Government to ILEA. In view of the answers that his junior Minister has already given this afternoon, is he also aware that if there is any attempt to break up ILEA —and there have been attempts in the past—the people of London will know how to tackle the Tory Government?

Sir Keith Joseph

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman's analysis will carry much weight. ILEA is the most extravagant education authority in the land. When the GLC is abolished — if Parliament agrees — the Government propose to convert the management of ILEA into that of a joint board.

Mr. Wilkinson

If my right hon. Friend has had no representations on this subject, will he take it from me that many people in the outer London boroughs at any rate are quite honestly scandalised by the disparities between results performance within ILEA schools and the amount of money disbursed? Therefore, it is incumbent on the Government in the forthcoming review of Greater London government to make positive proposals to establish a new body for the education of inner London children.

Sir Keith Joseph

It is because so many people in inner London and outside take that view that the Government propose to use the opportunity, as I have described, to convert the management of the ILEA into a joint board which will, perhaps, be more attentive to value for money.

Mr. Dobson

Why have the Government decided that, unlike every other education authority in the country, the inhabitants of inner London are no longer competent directly to elect the education authority responsible for running the schools in their area?

Sir Keith Joseph

As the then Minister responsible for setting up the GLC and ILEA, I must correct the hon. Gentleman in his description. The citizens of London do not directly elect ILEA. It is an indirect by-product of the GLC election and its members are nominated.

Mr. Spearing

Not true.