§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made towards comprehensive reorganisation of secondary education in Bolton; and whether, given the implementation date of 1979, there has been adequate time for Bolton Education Authority to consult with parents and teachers.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI am pleased to inform my hon. Friend that the Bolton authority has agreed to implement a comprehensive scheme in 1979. The authority was required on 17th January 1977 to make proposals for comprehensive reorganisation and has had adequate time since then for consultation on the detail of the scheme. I hope that consultation will be completed shortly so that the authority may proceed with the statutory and administrative measures necessary for implementation in 1979.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will name any authorities not already reorganised on comprehensive lines which have not submitted plans for such reorganisation.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonUnder Section 2 of the Education Act 1976, a total of 39 letters have been sent to 37 authorities requiring them to submit comprehend-342W sive proposals for all or some of their remaining unreorganised areas. Proposals are due but still awaited from:
- Barnet, in respect of the Henrietta Barnett School.
- Birmingham, in respect of seven voluntary schools.
- Derbyshire, in respect of Matlock and Ripley.
- Hereford and Worcester, in respect of Worcester City and Martley.
- Kirklees, in respect of Batley/Heckmondwike/Liversedge.
- Redbridge, in respect of two schools.
- Shropshire, in respect of Shrewsbury.
The need for further action under the Education Act 1976 in respect of those authorities where reorganisation is not complete but where proposals under Section 2 have not been required is kept constantly under review.