§ 27. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on progress regarding the appointment of parent governors to school bodies.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe Education Act 1980 required the governing bodies of maintained schools in England and Wales to be reconstituted generally to include, inter alia, at least two parents. Substantial progress has been made on a voluntary basis. By virtue of an order made in November last, implementation has to be complete for all maintained special schools by 1 September 1984. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have already indicated our intention shortly to make another order requiring all remaining schools to be in line by 1 September 1985. The recent Green Paper "Parental Influence at School" (Cmnd. 9242) makes proposals for a further increase in parental representaion on school governing bodies in England and Wales.
§ 41. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he plans to introduce legislation to give parents the right to a majority of places on school governing bodies.
§ Sir Keith JosephIn the light of response to Cmnd. 9242, as soon as a suitable opportunity arises.