HL Deb 23 June 1998 vol 591 c136

46 Clause 17, page 11, line 5, at end insert— ("and section 42A(2) to (4) of the School Inspections Act 1996 (publication of inspection reports) shall apply in relation to the publication of any such report as they apply in relation to the publication of a report under any of the provisions mentioned in section 42A(2).").

Baroness Blackstone

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 46. In doing so, I shall speak also to Commons Amendment No. 47.

Clause 124 in the School Standards and Framework Bill amends the School Inspections Act 1996 to provide for the publication of school inspection reports by electronic means—for example, on the Internet. Amendment No. 46 places the publication of teacher training inspection reports on the same statutory footing as reports on schools, publicly funded nurseries and LEAs. Publication of these reports on the Internet is consistent with the Government's policy on freedom of information and open government. The Internet is an efficient and cost-effective means of relaying information to a wide audience.

Amendment No. 47 makes clear that the chief inspector's right to inspect and report on any in-service training of teachers, as specified in subsection (1)(b) of this clause, includes training provided to a teacher serving an induction period within the meaning of Clause 16 of the Bill.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 46.—(Baroness Blackstone.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.