§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Education how many local education authority reorganisation proposals are presently being considered by his Department; and how many have been waiting for his decision(a) up to three months, (b) between three and six months, (c) between six and nine months, (d) between nine and 12 months and (e) in excess of 12 months.
§ Mr. Robin SquireAt 1 November, 107 proposals published under sections 12 and 13 of the Education Act 1980 were under consideration. Of these, 56 have been waiting a decision for up to three months, 32 for between three and six months, 11 for between six and nine months, two for between nine and 12 months and six for in excess of 12 months.
Among the reasons for delay is the need for greater information, consideration of an LEA's capital bid or the need to give simultaneous consideration to related GM applications.