HL Deb 01 July 1998 vol 591 c82WA
Baroness Blatch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, under the proposals set out in the School Standards and Framework Bill, Church schools have a right of veto on the organisation committee which, in the event of a dissenting voice, would preclude a referral to the adjudicator, even when the dissenting voice represents the interests of the Churches. [HL2433]

Baroness Blackstone

No group on the school organisation committee will have a right of veto that would preclude referral to the adjudicator. All cases where a unanimous decision cannot be reached will be referred to the adjudicator.

Guidance will make clear that, where the relevant Church group on a school organisation committee has voted against the closure of a denominational school, the adjudicator shall not take a decision that reduces the proportion of denominational places within an authority.