HC Deb 17 January 1978 vol 942 cc180-1W
33. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on progress on the implementation of comprehensive education in the county of Essex.

Miss Margaret Jackson

There are only three areas in Essex for which proposals under Section 13 of the Education Act 1944, as amended, for completing reorganisation of secondary schools along comprehensive lines have not been submitted and approved. They are Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend-on-Sea. Under Section 2 of the Education Act 1976 the authority submitted proposals for giving effect to the comprehensive principle in these areas on 11th July 1977. These proposals were not considered satisfactory in all respects and the authority was accordingly required under Section 2(4) of the Education Act 1976 to submit further proposals following the meeting of the Essex County Council on 10th January 1978. These proposals are still awaited from the authority.