§ 3. Mr. O'Brienasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will place in the Library a copy of those representations he has received in relation to his consultative proposals to devolve financial management to schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have placed in the Library copies of all letters received from organisations in response to this consultation paper. Without their express consent I would not wish to do the same with responses from individuals.
§ Mr. O'BrienWhat responses has the Secretary of State received to his consultation document on devolved financial management in education? How many replies has he received from head teachers, who will carry the responsibility of the new arrangements that the Secretary of State is introducing? Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to place in the Library an analysis of responses from head teachers?
§ Mr. BakerI have placed in the Library copies of the responses of all institutions such as local education authorities, governing bodies and unions. It is appropriate that we should make all those available. However, I am not prepared to make available an individual response from a head teacher unless that head teacher gives me the power to do so and approves the move. The great majority of respondents supported the principle of greater financial delegation.
§ Mr. PawseyDoes my right hon. Friend accept that head teachers and school governing bodies are in the best position to decide how best to spend their budgets? Does he further agree that his proposals will do a great deal to ensure greater freedom and responsibility for schools and head teachers, which must be to the advantage of the nation's children?
§ Mr. BakerI completely agree with my hon. Friend. Some 21 local education authorities have considerable experience in delegating responsibilities and budgets to head teachers. Such arrangements have worked successfully. They have been welcomed by local education authorities and head teachers, and the overall management of the schools involved has been improved. In nearly all cases savings have been made and the money saved has been spent as the head teacher wishes.
§ Mr. FearnWhen will the Secretary of State publish proposals for financing the training of governors for their new responsibilities?
§ Mr. BakerAs I have already said, we shall be bringing forward proposals for the training of head teachers and governors. I recognise that extra training will be needed for governors, who are taking on new responsibilities, and for head teachers, in financial management skills.