HC Deb 20 December 1999 vol 341 cc397-8W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make it his policy to prevent party political appointments, other than local education authority nominations, to school organisation committees. [102821]

Ms Estelle Morris

The local authority has no control over membership of three of the groups on the committee, and is prevented by regulation from appointing governors who are elected members to the schools group. Since decisions on plans or proposals can be reached only if all groups vote unanimously, party politics should not be a determining factor in local decision-making. Where the groups cannot agree, the case is referred to the Schools Adjudicator for decision.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to allow for appeals against the composition of school organisation committees. [102820]

Ms Estelle Morris

School organisation committees must be set up in accordance with The Education (School Organisation Committees) (England) Regulations 1999. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would consider any complaints or other evidence that a local education authority had failed to comply with the regulations, or exercised its functions unreasonably.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that school organisation committees are representative of local community interests. [102819]

Ms Estelle Morris

The composition of school organisation committees is set out in The Education (School Organisation Committees) (England) Regulations 1999. Committees comprise the main partners in the provision of education locally: the local education authority. Church of England and Roman Catholic diocesan interests, post-16 interests and schools. The regulations allow for a sixth group representing local community interests to be set up, but this is at the discretion of the local education authority and not a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the political affiliation of members of school organisation committees. [102822]

Ms Estelle Morris

The Department does not collect systematic information about membership of school organisation committees.