§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will initiate a full inquiry into the circumstances whereby Essex County Council have written to parents of children approaching 11 years of age in Basildon suggesting that they apply for places in schools outside the district council area.
§ Miss Joan LestorNo. My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances. Given that the schools are suitable for the children concerned and that the children's attendance there will not involve unreasonable expense to the local education authority, it is open to the authority to take such action as it sees fit to bring their availability to the notice of parents.