§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received in favour of permitting instrumental music schemes of local education authorities to opt out of local authority control, as provided for maintained schools in the Education Reform Bill; and what response he has made.
§ Mr. DunnNone. The Bill now before Parliament provides only for county or voluntary schools to apply to become grant-maintained. However, my right hon. Friend6W will today meet the national executive of the Schools Music Association to discuss the implications for school music provision of our proposals for education reform.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he plans to make available to schools in the maintained sector that have opted ou: under the provisions of the Education Reform Bill, the services of the instrumental music scheme and other support services provided by local authorities.
§ Mr. DunnGoverning bodies of grant-maintained schools will be free, if they wish, to negotiate with any local education authority for the purchase of goods arid services. Some may prefer to look elsewhere.