HC Deb 16 February 1988 vol 127 cc819-20
17. Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what effect the Education Reform Bill will have on units concerned with special education attached to county and voluntary schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

There is no specific provision in the Bill relating to such units.

Mr. Martlew

Does the Minister agree that, due to the opting-out possibility included in the Education Reform Bill, special units will suffer because education authorities will not take the risk of those schools opting out and will not put resources into those particular units?

Mr. Dunn

When my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State comes to consider any applications for schools to become grant-maintained schools and to have grant-maintained status he will consider all the arguments for and against such opting out.