§ 16. Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the future of grammar schools in Northern Ireland. [32145]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe Government have no plans to change the structure of secondary school provision in Northern Ireland but are commissioning research on the impact of selection on standards at all levels. Careful consideration will be given to any local proposals for change which have the support of parents and meet the objectives of improved standards and better value for money. As in Great Britain, pupils should be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents, in so far as this is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure.