§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements he makes for appeals against changes to areas of prime responsibility under the terms of section 12(1)(d) of the Education Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnI refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 12 May, at column319. Parents may express a preference for any school with which the local education authority must comply unless certain specified reliefs apply. If any parent is unhappy with the authority's decision he may appeal to a local independent appeals committee set up under section 7 of and in accordance with schedule 2 to the 1980 Act. The decision of such an appeal committee is binding on the LEA.