§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received, and from whom, concerning the reintroduction of grammar schools in England during the last 12 months; and what response he has given on this issue.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend has received representations from four local community organisations in Solihull about the current discussions on the possibility of reintroducing a selective element into the borough's country secondary school system. Over the past 12 months he has also received some 40 letters from members of the public concerned either specifically with the current discussions in Solihull or more generally with the issue of the reintroduction of a selective system. Views expressed have ranged from full support to outright opposition. My 481W right hon. Friend has reminded correspondents that changes in the pattern of school education in an area must first be proposed by the local education authority or the governors of the voluntary schools concerned. Such proposals are subject to the statutory procedures of sections 12 to 16 of the Education Act 1980, and my right hon. Friend decides them on their individual merits having regard to all the circumstances of the case.