§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the result of the case concluded at Reading on 12 July concerning sexual abuse at Crookham Court school in Berkshire; and if he will consider the introduction of new legislative provisions governing the operation of private schools.
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§ Mr. Alan HowarthUnder new provisions to be introduced by virtue of the Children Act 1989, section 71 of the Education Act 1944 will be amended to provide an additional ground for complaint with respect to independent schools. This additional power will be brought into effect where there is failure by a proprietor of an independent school to safeguard and promote the welfare of any child provided with accommodation by the school. The Act will also enable local social services departments to enter and inspect independent schools to determine whether the proprietor is fulfilling his welfare duties. These provisions of the Children Act will be implemented in October 1991.