HC Deb 15 March 1988 vol 129 cc541-2W
78. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans for taking into consideration the wishes of London parents regarding the existence of a single education authority in inner London; whether he intends to review his decision not to grant financial assistance for the ballot to be conducted by the Electoral Reform Society; and whether he will make a statement about the means available to London parents to influence the Government's proposals for education in London.

Mr. Dunn

It would not be appropriate for the Government to fund a ballot on a constitutional matter such as this, affecting the organisation of local government. The decision on the Government's proposals must be for Parliament, taking account not only of the views of parents but also those of other ratepayers who share the bill for education. Local people, including parents, will have an opportunity to influence and comment on boroughs' development plans for their education service from 1990.