§ LORD BEAUMONT OF WHITLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the 1944 Education Act gives the Secretary of State for Education and Science sufficient powers to order an investigation into recent events at Hornsey and Guildford Colleges of Art.]
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, the Education Act 1944 enables the Secretary of State to hold an inquiry for the purpose of the exercise of any of his specific powers or duties under the Education Acts. None of his powers or duties under those Acts is exercisable in relation to the appointment and dismissal of teachers in maintained institutions of further education. Since my right honourable friend has decided that it is in the best interests of these colleges that the new arrangements they have instituted should be given a fair run, the question of using his powers with regard to other matters does not arise at present.
§ LORD BEAUMONT OF WHITLEYMy Lords, I thank the noble Lady for giving me a straight answer.
§ BARONESS PHILLIPSMy Lords, I am merely seeing that the Press have a correct report this time.