HC Deb 14 July 1981 vol 8 c352W
30. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the name of the senior industrialist referred to in paragraph 53(c) of his Department's document "The School Curriculum" published in March 1981; how this work on schools and local industry is progressing; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane

The senior industrialist commissioned by my Department to undertake a study of schools-industry liaison activities is Mr. Neville Cooper, director, administration of Standard Telephones and Cables Ltd. Mr. Cooper is now completing his task and my right hon. and learned Friend looks forward to receiving his report in the next few weeks.

34. Mr. Dunn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will introduce legislation to provide that control of the curriculum should rest solely with the governing body of a maintained school.

Dr. Boyson

Section 23 of the Education Act 1944 provides that, except as otherwise provided in the articles of government, the secular instruction given shall, in the case of voluntary-aided secondary schools, be under the control of the governors of the school, and, in the case of other maintained schools, be under the control of the local education authority. The articles of government of maintained secondary schools commonly specify that the governors shall have the general direction of the conduct and curriculum of the school. My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to change the law in this respect.