HC Deb 13 July 1972 vol 840 c395W
13. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply she has made to the representatives of the Sunderland Council of Churches about the provision of a fully comprehensive system of secondary education in Sunderland.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The Department has written to the Council explaining that later this month my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will be meeting a deputation from the Sunderland local education authority to discuss this question.

43. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities in England and Wales have adopted a middle school system entailing transfer from primary school of children of nine years of age; and if she will re-examine this method of secondary education.

Mrs. Thatcher

At 1st January, 1971, the latest date for which information is available, 13 authorities operated 9–13 middle school schemes in the whole or a part of their area I consider on their merits all proposals submitted to me under Section 13 of the Education Act, 1944, as amended.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of secondary schools are now comprehensive in their organisation.

Mrs. Thatcher

About 25 per cent. of maintained secondary schools in England.