HC Deb 15 March 1977 vol 928 cc143-4W
18. Mr. Clemitson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the regional consultations which are taking place on the document "Educating our Children".

19. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on her recent series of educational conferences.

21. Mr. Luce

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she intends to take in the light of the discussion which has taken place at her Department's regional conferences.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Four regional conferences have now taken place; three more are to be held in England and one in Wales. Following consideration of the views and opinions expressed in the course of these consultations, a Green Paper outlining the Government's proposals will be published during the summer.

23. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied that the views of industry are being adequately reflected in the great debate on education.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Representatives of employers and of the trade unions have been invited to attend all the regional conferences on education which are now taking place. At the conferences held so far, both sides of industry have made significant contributions; in addition I have received a substantial number of written comments from individual employers and trade unions.

28. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the progress being made in the great debate on education.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The first four regional conferences have given a valuable indication of current views on four major educational issues, both from people within the world of education and from other interests, including parents, and have provided a unique opportunity for the exchange of information and opinion. I am confident that the conferences still to be held will be equally fruitful.