HC Deb 22 November 1983 vol 49 cc104-5W
44. Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards proposals for the reintroduction of grammar schools.

55. Mr. Sean Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the Government's attitude to proposals for the reintroduction of grammar schools.

Sir Keith Joseph

We believe that there should be variety in the provision made for secondary education in accordance with local circumstances and the wishes of parents. Local education authorities are free to consider patterns of school organisation which include grammar schools. If an authority publishes proposals to reintroduce grammar schools, I will decide those proposals on their merits and in the interests of all the children concerned.

45. Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many maintained grammar schools there are now in England.

Sir Keith Joseph

The number of maintained secondary grammar schools in England in January 1983 was 175.