HC Deb 30 March 1993 vol 222 c149
14. Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children currently are educated in local education authority and grant-maintained grammar schools in the county of Kent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

In January 1992, the latest figures available, nearly 26,000 pupils attended grammar schools in Kent. Of these, 7,000 attended schools which are now self-governing state schools.

Mr. Dunn

Is it not a fact that the people of Kent enjoy grammar schools and a range and variety of secondary schools that are second to none because of the existence of the Conservative-controlled county council and the election of a Conservative Government in 1979? What advice, therefore, would my hon. Friend offer the people of Kent on 6 May in order that they may keep their grammar schools?

Mr. Forth

I believe that the people of Kent will wish to consider the contrast between the quality and diversity of choice that are available to them under the present educational regime in Kent and the drab uniformity that would be offered by the Opposition. I believe that, having considered that, they will have no doubt in coming to the conclusion that a Conservative vote in the elections in May will be the only way to guarantee the continuance of the excellent record that Kent has had so far.

Mr. Bryan Davies

In those Tory-controlled authorities where schools select their pupils, what happens to parental choice?

Mr. Forth

Parental choice, or "preference" as it is expressed in the statute, is of course at the core of what we believe is the way forward in education. The support of parents up and down the land, to which my right hon. Friend referred a moment ago, in voting consistently for more grant-maintained schools, demonstrates the increasing number expressing themselves to be satisfied with our policies.