Mr. SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will set out the basis for the assumption in his departmental White Paper, "Choice and Diversity: A New Framework for Schools," that problem schools will be in the local education authority sector rather than the grant maintained sector.
§ Mr. ForthNo such assumption has been made. Chapter 11 of the White Paper sets out the steps that will be taken to tackle failing schools in the local education authority sector. Chapter 3 includes details of the powers which my right hon. Friend will have to ensure that remedial action is taken where grant-maintained schools are failing to provide an adequate standard of education for their pupils.