HC Deb 18 April 1978 vol 948 cc72-3W
24. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will extend the two months she has given to local authorities who have not yet put comprehensive reorganisation proposals to her.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Six months has normally been allowed for the first submission of proposals. The time given for further proposals has varied according to particular circumstances. Requests for extensions are granted only in very exceptional cases.

35. Mr. Sims

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what grounds she refused to accept the proposals to reorganise secondary schools in the London borough of Bromley on comprehensive lines so far as they affect St. Olave's School.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The local education authority of Bromley and the governors of St. Olave's Church of England (Voluntary Aided) School proposed that the school be enlarged from three to six forms of entry and that selection be eliminated by the mid-1980s. My right hon. Friend could see no justification for enlarging the school beyond its present capacity or for deferring the date of the elimination of selection beyond 1979, when the four other remaining grammar schools in the borough are due to become comprehensive.

40. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has yet had a reply from the Redbridge Council in response to her request for the transmission of a scheme for the full implementation of Section 2 of the Education Act 1976 in that borough.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The council's reply was received on 31st March and my right hon. Friend is now actively considering the use of her powers under the Education Acts.

41. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further action is proposed against the local education authorities who continue to have grammar schools available within their areas.

48. Mr. Ron Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities have failed to implement the provisions of the Education Act 1976; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Flannery).