HC Deb 17 April 1969 vol 781 cc281-2W
Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) when the Central Advisory Council last met;

(2) what is the present membership of the Central Advisory Council;

(3) what subject the Central Advisory Council is currently studying;

(4) if he will now introduce legislation to abolish the Central Advisory Council.

Mr. Edward Short

The Central Advisory Council last met on 16th October, 1966. The term of office of all its members expired on 30th November, 1966, and no further appointments have since been made. Consequently no new subject has been assigned for study. Section 4 of the Education Act, 1944, which refers to the Central Advisory Council, will come up for review in its turn during the comprehensive examination of present legislation which I have in hand in preparation for a new major Education Bill.

Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he has not referred further questions to the Central Advisory Councils for Education since the completion of the inquiries into primary education in January, 1967.

Miss Bacon

Having regard to the studies already in hand by various bodies and the forthcoming report of the Royal Commission on Local Government, my right hon. Friend does not think the time is opportune for such an inquiry.