§ Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many plans he has approved for the reorganisation of secondary schools, single sex and co-educational, respectively, involving 11–18 all through comprehensive schools of less than six-form entry.
§ Mr. Edward ShortSince the issue of Circular 10/65 my predecessors and I have approved 19 schemes of secondary reorganisation which include 11–18 comprehensive schools of less than six form entry size. 116 schools, many in rural areas, are involved, and 33 are single sex. Many should eventually attain at least six form entry size.
§ Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Reading County Borough Council concerning their proposals for secondary reorganisation.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI have not yet heard from the local education authority about the deliberations of its recently reconstituted working party. I assume that these are still proceeding.
§ Mr. Tudor Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on his consideration of the objections raised to the scheme for comprehensive education to cover the districts of Brecon, Crickhowell, Defynnog, Hay and Talgarth proposed by the Breconshire local education authority; and whether he will now announce his decision on this matter.
§ Miss BaconI am not yet in a position to reach conclusions on the authority's108W proposal. My Department has written asking the authority to clarify certain aspects of the reorganisation proposals, and I hope that its answer will enable me to decide what is feasible in this area.