§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many officials in the Department of Education and Science are responsible for liaising with British schools in the Community, and what is their brief.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Blatch)My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has no statutory responsibility for schools outside England and Wales. However, any matters and questions relating to independent schools in the European Community are dealt with as part of the work of the staff of the independent schools team and of the team which deals with the Assisted Places Scheme. These teams, which are based in Darlington, comprise some 16 full-time staff.