§ 4. Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the impact of the Greenwich judgment on local education authorities' school allocation policies; what plans he has to introduce legislation to reverse the judgment; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Michael Fallon)My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State received representations from hon. Members, local authorities and from the London Boroughs Association following the court ruling last spring. The judgment's full effects will bear on admissions in September this year. In the light of evidence at that stage, we shall consider whether any action is necessary.
§ Mr. SimsHow much more evidence does my hon. Friend need of the problems that the judgment is causing local education authorities and the concern that it is causing parents? Does he accept that what is needed is not a great change in the law but simply to restore it to what everybody thought it was before the Greenwich judgment? If he is having difficulty in drafting the legislation or 794 finding Government time, will he facilitate the passage of my private Member's Bill, the Second Reading of which will be considered on Friday week?
§ Mr. FallonI recognise my hon. Friend's interest in the matter and I am aware of the Bill that he is promoting. This summer's admissions will be the first to which the Greenwich judgment will apply. It would not be right to reach a conclusive view until those decisions are taken this summer.