§ 44. Mr. Ottawayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is considering any measures to broaden further parents' choice of schools.
§ Mr. DunnThe Government have no present plans to take further the substantial advances represented by the Education Act 1980, but continue to explore ways in which this might be achieved.
§ 90. Mr. Portilloasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take further steps to give to parents the opportunity to educate their children outside the maintained sector.
§ Mr. DunnThere is no obligation on parents to send their children to schools in the maintained sector. The assisted places scheme made independent schools available to a wider range of parents. The Government have no present plans to extend the scheme although they continue to consider ways in which parental choice might be further widened.