HL Deb 11 April 1962 vol 239 cc558-9WA
THE LORD BISHOP OF LONDON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make a statement about the effect on denominational schools of the proposals in the Government's White Paper on London Government.

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EARL JELLICOE)

I can give an assurance that my right honourable friend the Minister of Education will consider with the new local education authorities, as soon as they are set up, those questions over which the churches are naturally concerned, namely, the effect on their schools of any departure from the development plans and building priorities of the former local education authorities, and safeguards for the freedom of parents to choose a denominational school. On the other points raised by the right reverend Prelate during the debate on March 14, I do not think there need be any anxiety. The reorganisation will not create single-school areas. There need be no change in articles of government, and my right honourable friend will consider what would be the simplest means of altering the Instruments, so as to provide for the representation of the new local authorities on governing bodies. The new authorities can adopt existing agreed syllabuses if they wish. My right honourable friend will gladly consider any further points which representatives of the churches may wish to raise with him.