§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for securing the education of children in Tower Hamlets who are presently unable to attend school as a consequence of teacher shortages.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe staffing of schools in Tower Hamlets is a matter for the Inner London education authority and, from 1 April 1990, the borough of Tower Hamlets. I welcome the fact that both authorities are now taking specific steps to ensure that schools are adequately staffed.
I had a constructive meeting on 13 June with the Inner London education authority, accompanied by the right hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Stepney (Mr. Shore); further discussions are being held at official level to explore ways of tackling the situation.