HC Deb 29 November 1977 vol 940 cc170-1W
34. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she will introduce legislation to reform school governing bodies.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The report of the Taylor Committee on the management and government of schools was published in September. I hope that the consultations with interested parties which my Department is conducting at present will show a sufficient basis of agreement on some of the committee's recommendations—and particularly those on the composition and method of appointment of governing bodies—to enable legislation to be introduced in the current Session if the parliamentary timetable permits.

38. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from interested parties about the reform of school governing bodies proposed in the Taylor Report.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

My Department wrote on 6th October to over 30 organisations representing both education interests and the wider community, seeking their views on certain recommendations of the Taylor Report. So far we have received replies from 20 of the organisations consulted, together with comments from over 50 other organisations and individuals.