§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to publish the report of the feasibility study into the extension of local management of schools to special schools.
§ Mr. FallonThe report has been published today. It concludes that the extension of LMS to special schools is both feasible and desirable. The report found that LMS would bring benefits to special schools and their pupils. Copies of the report are being sent to local education authorities and to special schools in both England and Wales. My right hon. Friend will shortly be consulting LEAs and schools on the report's findings. In the light of their views, the Government will consider making the necessary enabling regulations to permit LEAs to extend LMS to their special schools.
Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.