HC Deb 15 February 1977 vol 926 cc157-8W
30. Mr Clemitson

asked the secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to be able to lay an order implementing the provisions of Section 10 of the Education Act 1976.

31. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will estimate the date on which she will activate Section 10 of the Education Act 1976.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I am anxious to bring the new law into effect as soon as practicable. It does, however, have very wide implications for the education service which require full discussion with local education authorities, teachers and others who will be concerned in its implementation. In fixing the appointed day I shall be guided by the outcome of these discussions, which will begin shortly, and I shall also wish to take into account the findings of the Warnock Committee, whose report, expected early next year, will have an important bearing on future planning. Local education authorities are quite free, meanwhile, to introduce new arrangements to extend the capability of ordinary schools to meet the needs of handicapped pupils.

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