§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if, in the light of his rejection of the draft articles of government for county high schools and sixth form colleges as submitted by the city of Manchester on 7 September 1982, he plans to invite the city to submit revised proposals; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is his reason for not approving the draft articles of government for county high schools and sixth form colleges as submitted by the city of Manchester on 7 September 1981; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnIn September 1982 the authority asked the Department informally whether proposed revisions to articles of government were such as would receive the necessary approval. The proposals could be seen as giving the authority power to override the responsibilities allocated in the articles, contrary to my right hon. Friend's policy for clarity in such matters. The Department's view that the amendments would thus be unacceptable have been the subject of various exchanges with the authority, with which the matter currently rests: it needs no invitation to make a fresh approach.