§ Mr. O'HaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will introduce guidance for the conduct of ballots in respect of applications for grant-maintained schools under which head teachers or staff would be prohibited from suggesting to parents or pupils that a vote against grant-maintained status would involve(a) the loss of particular teachers' jobs or (b) difficulty for certain pupils in completing their GCSE and A-level courses.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend issues, and from time to time updates, guidance on the overall conduct of ballots. In addition, the Department's letter of 3 November reminded local education authorities and other bodies, what in his view are the proper duties and responsibilities of the parties involved in the ballot process. We would expect representatives of LEAs and schools involved in ballots in respect of applications for grant-maintained status to act responsibly and professionally.