§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what plans he has to ensure that parents living within the London borough of Wandsworth will continue to have the right to choose the school of their choice for their children to attend; and what discussions he has had with the borough about this matter;
(2) what discussions he is having with the London Borough of Wandsworth about selective entry schools in the borough; what plans he has to ensure that such schools will still take children of mixed ability; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robin SquireUnder section 8 of the Education Act 1944, local education authorities have a duty to ensure that there are sufficient schools to provide education for all pupils in their area taking account of their age, ability and aptitude. This will continue to be the case under the Education Act 1993 until the sole responsibility for ensuring a sufficiency of schools in the primary or secondary phase, as the case may be, passes to the Funding Agency for Schools under the provisions of section 12 of that Act.
My right hon. Friend will continue to consider on their merits any proposals by Wandsworth council to implement its policy of diversity and choice in the borough's schools.