HC Deb 04 December 1984 vol 69 cc165-6
13. Mr. Loyden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussion he has had since September with the teachers' unions about the reorganisation of schools in Liverpool.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have had no such discussions.

Mr. Loyden

Is the Secretary of State aware that serious concern is being voiced by teachers in Liverpool about their ability to reorganise in an effective manner because serious constraints have been placed upon them by Government policy in relation to financing education?

Sir Keith Joseph

No, Mr. Speaker. If the hon. Gentleman cares to write to me or to see me, I shall try to learn from him.

Mr. Alton

Has the Secretary of State had a chance to consider the representations of the unions in Liverpool about the failure to award social priority area status to schools in the reorganised sector of the Roman Catholic schools? What is being done to provide capital funds to give those reorganised schools the chance to provide the equipment and new classrooms that were promised at the time of reorganisation?

Sir Keith Joseph

I am aware of the latter point. I have had a long letter from the Roman Catholic archbishop and have written to him at length. If the hon. Gentleman wishes, with the archbishop's permission, I shall send him a copy.