§ Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last discussed the implementation of local management in schools with representatives of Cleveland county council; and whether he is satisfied with that county's proposals in respect of this initiative.
§ Mr. ButcherMy right hon. Friend has had no meetings with representatives of Cleveland county council specifically to discuss local management of schools (LMS). Officials from the Department's LMS unit have, however, met the LEA and are continuing to offer advice on their proposals. The authority's final scheme will be subject to the Secretary of State's approval; it would not be appropriate for me to anticipate the outcome of the statutory approvals process.