§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements there are for consulting consumers on the work and decisions of his Department.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Education Reform Act has created new opportunities for parents, employers and others in the community to be directly involved in education. In schools and colleges of further education governing bodies, which include employers and elected parents, will have responsibility for directing the policies of the institutions and managing the budgets delegated by local education authorities. We have also given parents the opportunity to seek grant-maintained status for the schools attended by their children. Over 3 million copies of a booklet designed for parents "Our Changing Schools" have been distributed: this booklet encourages parents to take a practical interest in their children's education.