HC Deb 12 March 1971 vol 813 cc181-2W
Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what advice she has given to local education authorities with regard to the provision of state primary school places as opposed to denominational school places;

(2) what advice she has given to local education authorities regarding consultation with parents and teachers before final plans are drawn up affecting the proportion of places available in State schools as opposed to denominational schools.

Mrs. Thatcher

I have asked local authorities, in framing their plans for the 1973–74 school building programme, to consider proposals for voluntary schools on the same basis as those for county schools and to co-operate closely with the diocesan authorities and with governors and managers of schools in selecting proposals for submission to me. I have given no advice about consultation on building proposals with parents and teachers, which is a matter for the judgment of local authorities in particular cases.