HC Deb 22 January 1985 vol 71 c855
14. Mr. Amess

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the visit to Basildon of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) on 10 December.

Mr. Dunn

As my hon. Friend knows, I went to Basildon at his invitation for what proved to be an interesting meeting with local school teachers and governors about the Green Paper on school government. The hon. Member for Dartford had a most enjoyable time during his stay in Basildon.

Mr. Amess

Does my hon. Friend agree that the meeting in Basildon to discuss the Green Paper proposals on parental influence in schools clearly shows that we already have many able parents as governors? Will my hon. Friend stand by his proposals to increase the influence of parents in the running of schools?

Mr. Dunn

My first-hand contact with teachers and governors at the meeting led me to form a most favourable impression. Inasmuch as I bless good practice anywhere, I certainly welcomed it in Basildon.