HC Deb 15 February 1977 vol 926 cc156-7W
28. Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions she has had with the Lancashire County Council Education Authority concerning the introduction of a fully comprehensive system of education in Rossendale.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Officials have discussed the Rossendale situation with the authority's officers within the past fortnight.

33. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is now in a position to make a statement on progress with comprehensive education in the county of Essex in view of her previous comments on this matter.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Proposals for comprehensive reorganisation in West Essex were approved at the beginning of this month. Discussions between officials about alternative schemes for Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend have been held recently at the request of the authority. My right hon. Friend wrote to the authority on 24th November requiring it, under Section 2 of the Education Act 1976, to submit by 24th May proposals for the elimination of selection in the area of the authority.

42. Sir A. Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement setting out her policy on comprehensive education for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

There will be a marked fall in the secondary school population in the next decade. As the falling numbers reach the higher age groups, local authorities will have to give serious thought to their dispositions for sixth formers if they are to make economic use of teachers, buildings, equipment and other resources. The further development of sixth form or of tertiary colleges may well be important parts of this process.

47. Mr. John Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply she received to her communication regarding the programme for comprehensive reorganisation sent to the London borough of Bromley.

Miss Margaret Jackson

So far my right hon. Friend has received only an acknowledgement of receipt of her letter.

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