HC Deb 16 February 1988 vol 127 cc574-5W
18. Ms. Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has received opposing the abolition of the Inner London education authority.

Mrs. Rumbold

Since my right hon. Friend announced on 4 February the Government's decision to amend the provisions currently in the Education Reform Bill, we have received rather fewer than 200 letters expressing support for the retention of ILEA.

23. Mr. Sedgemore

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received about the future of the Inner London education authority; and if he will make a statement.

129. Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received regarding the future of the Inner London education authority.

Mrs. Rumbold

Since the introduction of the Education Reform Bill on 20 November, we have received some 1,200 letters concerning education in inner London.

34. Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to announce his policy on the future of the Inner London education authority.

75. Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to announce his decision about the future of the Inner London education authority.

Mrs. Rumbold

I refer the hon. Members to my right hon. Friend's statement on 4 February at columns 1178–79.

72. Mrs. Rosie Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures he will undertake to ensure that inner London boroughs provide a proper and adequate education service if the inner London education authority is abolished.

Mrs. Rumbold

The Government propose that in 1989 each inner London council should be required to publish a development plan, setting out the way in which it proposes to organise the transfer of education responsibility and the service it would propose to run when it becomes an LEA, subject to the full range of duties under the Education Acts. The Department will consider with the councils concerned whether formal or informal cooperative arrangements are necessary in respect of particular aspects of provision.