HC Deb 04 March 1991 vol 187 cc41-2W
Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the latest annual report of Her Majesty's senior chief inspector of schools was(a) made available to the press, and (b) placed before Parliament; and in what manner.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Copies of the report were made available to the press at 12.00 on 13 February, the day of publication. Copies were dispatched to the Vote Office by first-class post on the day before publication. Opposition spokesmen were sent copies and further copies were placed in the Library on the day of publication.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make copies of the latest annual report of Her Majesty's senior chief inspector of schools available to hon. and Right hon. Members through the Vote Office.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

On 12 February 200 copies were sent to the Vote Office.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date he first saw a draft of the latest annual report of Her Majesty's senior chief inspector of schools, and whether any amendments to the draft were made at the suggestion of Ministers.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The senior chief inspector submitted his annual report to me on 4 February and it was published on 13 February.

Ministers made no suggestions of any changes to the report which was published in the form in which it was submitted.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set out in detail the procedures for the forthcoming appointment of a new holder of the office of Her Majesty's senior chief inspector of schools, including the nature of the involvement of Ministers in the appointment.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The Civil Service Commission is organising an open competition which is being advertised widely in terms which I approved. Selection will be on merit and those selected for interview will appear before a board, chaired by the first civil service commissioner, on which my Department will be represented by senior officials and which will include a distinguished outside member. The board's recommendation will be made to me in the usual way. Her Majesty's inspectors of schools are appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, on the recommendation of the holder of my office, as required by section 77(2) of the Education Act 1944.