HL Deb 29 November 1978 vol 396 cc1292-3

2.40 p.m.

Baroness VICKERS

My 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 when the report Schools with Troubling Aspects—or at Risk will be made available by the Department of Education and Science.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION and SCIENCE (Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge)

My Lords, there is no such report. In 1976, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science asked Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools to provide her with illustrations of the factors which make for success, or create serious problems, in the development and running of comprehensive schools. These illustrations, to which reference was made in the Press earlier in the year, were to assist in her consideration of how good practice might be encouraged. They were provided as part of Her Majesty's Inspectors' normal internal business within the Department.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply, but I should like to ask whether any contradiction or statement was made to the Press to refute the accusation that part of the report had been shredded because it was so disliked by the Department itself?

Lord DONALDSON of KINGS-BRIDGE

My Lords, my noble friend denied it in two Answers to Questions in another place. I can give the noble Baroness the appropriate dates. I do not suppose that she wants them at this very minute, but I shall give them to her afterwards. Therefore, there is a perfectly respectable record—if Hansard can be so regarded—of her total denial.

Baroness VICKERS

My Lords, in view of the fact that it was refuted in Hansard, may I ask whether it was refuted in the Press so that the general public knew as well?

Lord DONALDSON of KINGS-BRIDGE

My Lords, I shall have to check whether Hansard was reported in the Press, because I do not know. In any event, I welcome the question posed by the noble Baroness, Lady Vickers, and let us hope that my refutation will be reported in the Press and will go some way to meet her.