HC Deb 04 December 1984 vol 69 cc162-3
10. Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received in response to his Green Paper, "Parental Influence at School".

Sir Keith Joseph

Over 700 responses have now been received, in the light of which the Government are carefully considering the way ahead. Our conclusions will be announced in due course.

Mr. Colvin

I acknowledge that it is good to have more parent governors of schools, but does my right hon. Friend agree that he should maintain some flexibility in agreeing a system for the appointment of school governors? Giving them a majority on school boards may suit some localities, but not others. Will my right hon. Friend, in reaching his conclusions, consider that parents should be allowed to continue as school governors after their children have left the particular school?

Sir Keith Joseph

I note what my hon. Friend says and will take it into account during the decision-making process.

Mr. Meadowcroft

I doubt whether anyone in the House would question the Secretary of State's commitment to parental influence in education. Will he tell the House what influence parents' comments on grants are having on him?

Sir Keith Joseph

I am receiving direct, and through hon. Members, a very large number of expressions of opinion from parents, which I cannot help but take seriously.

Mr. Forth

Has my right hon. Friend been surprised by the fact that, in spite of the commitment of Conservative Members to parental influence in schools, a very large number of the representations from Conservatives have been against the proposal? Is he therefore prepared to review the proposal and to have a balanced representation in schools, instead of one that is overwelmingly in favour of parents?

Sir Keith Joseph

What my hon. Friend says will be taken into account in our decisions.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

In view of all the other problems that the Secretary of State now has on his plate, would it not be a good idea to abandon the proposals here and now, since no one seems to be in favour of them?

Sir Keith Joseph

The Government do not intend to follow the example of the Labour Government and ignore the Taylor report.