§ 17. Mr. MacFarquharasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she has replied to the letter from the Half-Term Movement; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonI have replied today to the letter from the Half-Term Movement about fixed half-term holidays.
School holidays are by statute under the control of local education authorities, although subject to the provision of the Schools Regulations 1959. I am sure that education authorities and, where this is their responsibility, the managers or governors of schools, are aware of the inconvenience that may be caused to parents who have children at different schools with different half-term holidays. However, I fear a centrally determined date would create as many problems as it solved.
§ Miss Janet Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from the 108W Half-Term Movement, calling for the same half-term dates in all schools; and what reply she has sent.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Belper (Mr. MacFarquhar). I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my letter to the Half-Term Movement.