Teddington County Secondary School

HC Deb 01 July 1983 vol 44 c174W

Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he received valid objections under section 12 of the Education Act 1980 to the changes at Teddington county secondary school proposed by the borough of Richmond-upon-Thames; what further objections he received after the closing date and from what source he received them; what account he proposes to take of objections he received after the closing date; whether the borough council has been given the opportunity to comment on such further objections; and whether he will ensure that the consideration of objections received out of time does not delay his decision on the case.

Mr. Dunn

Objections for the purposes of section 12 of the Education Act 1980 must be submitted to the local education authority making the proposals concerned in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of that section. In the case of the Richmond-upon-Thames local education authority's proposals to change the character of Teddington boy's school, doubt arose as to whether an objection for the purposes of section 12 had been submitted, but my right hon. Friend is of the opinion, shared by the authority, that such an objection has been made. My right hon. Friend has himself received a number of representations, both in support of and in opposition to the proposals, including some 40 letters and petitions forwarded on 9 April 1983 by my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Mr. Jessel). It is my right hon. Friend's practice, as it has been the practice of successive Secretaries of State, to take into account in considering proposals all relevant factors, including expressions of local opinion, whether in the form of objections for the purposes of section 12 or otherwise. His decisions are taken as quickly as is consistent with a full and proper consideration of the relevant issues.

The local education authority has been invited to comment on the representations forwarded by my hon. Friend. I would certainly be willing to meet a deputation from the authority if they wished to send one.