§ 32. Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received concerning the operation of the three-tier system of school organisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherMy right hon. Friend has recently received correspondence from hon. Members, the Oxfordshire county council and the public concerning plans agreed by the Conservative group on the council to replace the present three-tier system of schools in Oxford with a two-tier one. Responsibility for formulating plans for school reorganisation rests with local education authorities and other proposers in the voluntary schools sector. My right hon. Friend's powers are limited to considering those statutory proposals submitted to him for consideration. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on this plan, other than to note that it has not yet been considered by the county council.