§ Lord Topeasked Her Majesty's Government:
In view of the statement in Department for Education Circular 23/94, appendix 3A, paragraph 133 that "It is the Secretary of State's intention to decide proposals within five months of publication…", why they have still not announced their decision on the proposal published by the London Borough of Sutton on 29th September 1994 to establish a Six Form Entry Co-Educational High School at Ventnor Road, Sutton, and when they expect to do so.
Lord LucasThe proposals to meet the rising demand for secondary school places in Sutton, published by Sutton Local Education Authority for a new High School, have to be judged against recommendations put to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education by the Funding Agency for Schools to expand existing schools. In giving full consideration to all the educational and financial issues involved, which are complex, my right honourable friend has been unable in this case to decide the proposals within five months of publication. My right honourable friend will announce her decision as soon as possible.