Secretary of State (Speech) (Hansard, 30 July 1984)

§ Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The relevant part of the speech is as follows:

EXTRACT OF A SPEECH BY THE RIGHT HON. NICHOLAS EDWARDS, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES, AT A PUBLIC MEETING IN BISHOPSTON IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE FOR GOWER, DR. TOM KENYON, ON THURSDAY 19 MAY AT 7.30 PM I have received very strong representations from your candidate, Tom Kenyon, among many others, about the future of Gowerton School. I would like to take this opportunity of saying something about the proposals of the Education Authority. I considered very carefully indeed whether I could take a decision and settle the issue before the election. Technically I could have done so, but the public consultation phase was only completed last month and Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools have not had time fully to consider and report on the representations. I think that as a matter of principle they should be allowed to do so, and in all the present circumstances my decision might have been open to challenge. Some might have felt that so important a question should not be settled in such a hurry. I can, however, tell you of the central principle that will guide me. I believe that it is quite wrong ever to destroy a good school or make changes that would weaken it, without being absolutely confident that what is to be put in its place will be an improvement. Outstanding schools are too rare and too valuable not to be treasured and guarded. I have nothing against the tertiary system as a principle. In some circumstances it provides a good solution. There are examples in Wales which work very well. The question therefore is whether the circumstances in this area justify a change. One thing, I think, is clear beyond question and that is that Gowerton School deserves its high reputation. Its 36W record, both academically and in the sporting field, is outstanding. As I have been reminded by so many who have written to me, its pupils have achieved distinction in many walks of life. My old friend Michael Roberts, who knew as much about education as anyone in Wales, regarded Gowerton as one of its outstanding schools. I have considered the representations that have been made and examined the arguments very carefully and I have to say that Her Majesty's Inspectors would have to produce some quite unexpected and compelling arguments to persuade me that it would be right to destroy such a centre of excellence. From what I have heard so far, I believe they are more likely to share my views. More than that I cannot say tonight.