§ Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to introduce legislation for compulsory comprehensive education in Northern Ireland; if such legislation will provide for compulsory desegregation; and what consultations he proposes to have.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Senior Chief Inspector of the Northern Ireland Department of Education has recently completed a report on the feasibility of reorganising secondary education on non-selective lines. This report, together with an examination of the administrative, financial and legislative arrangements which the introduction of a new system would require, is to be published shortly as a consultative document.
Following publication there will be direct consultations between the Northern Ireland Department of Education and area education and library boards, voluntary school authorities, Church authorities, organisations of teachers, trade unions, employers and parents amongst 816W others. After the consultations, which are expected to take about six months, it is hoped to put forward proposals. Any proposals will not include provision for the compulsory desegregation of schools.