HC Deb 07 February 1984 vol 53 cc746-7
3. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he next plans to meet the chief inspector of Her Majesty's inspectorate to discuss the present rules for formal inspection of local education authorities; and if he will make a statement.

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

I meet the senior chief inspector regularly and our discussions sometimes touch on inspections of local education authorities. There are no rules as such for these inspections, but I expect Her Majesty's inspectorate to continue its programme of inspecting and reporting on two or three authorities, or parts of authorities, each year.

Mr. Madel

Where HMI identifies an authority as giving cause for concern, will a full inspection of that authority be implemented? If deficiencies in provision are then found, will my right hon. Friend consider using existing or new powers to remedy such deficiencies so that higher standards can be achieved?

Sir Keith Joseph

Her Majesty's inspectorate has a large programme of obligations and it would certainly take account, in deciding how to use its staff, of the factor to which my hon. Friend draws attention. It produced a special report on ILEA on those grounds a few years ago. Since the beginning of last year, all HMI reports of full inspections are published.

Mr. Pawsey

Does my right hon. Friend agree that HMI has a profound influence on standards of education? Is he satisfied that there are enough inspectors in post?

Sir Keith Joseph

I agree that HMI has a great influence on standards of education. Because of the range of its coverage, a recruitment programme is now going on to increase its strength.