§ 20. Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the Government's proposals to allow schools to opt out of local authority administration.
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend has been encouraged by the extent of support for his proposals expressed to him during recent weeks. Since his return to the Department he has received 54 letters on the subject, of which 25 have come from hon. members.
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§ 31. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he intends to issue guidelines on the financial management of those schools choosing to opt out of local education authority control.
§ Mr. DunnOnce the necessary legislation has been enacted, my right hon. Friend would expect to issue regulations and guidance concerning the conditions under which grant is paid to schools opting out of local authority control.
§ 41. Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on devolution of budgeting to schools.
§ Mr. DunnThe Education (No. 2) Act 1986 requires LEAs to delegate control over a part of their budget to individual schools. My right hon. Friend intends to bring forward legislation which will give all secondary schools, and larger primary schools, control over almost all of their recurrent expenditure.
§ 54. Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence he has as to the views of parents or governors of any Coventry schools on opting out of local education authority control.
§ 57. Mrs. Ann Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with local authority associations about his proposals for schools opting our of local authority control.
§ Mr. DunnThe Government will shortly be issuing a consultation document to interested organisations, including the local authority associations, concerning our proposals for grant maintained schools.