HC Deb 17 May 1995 vol 260 c240W
Mr. Berry

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many chief education officers are currently employed in Berkshire; and how many she expects will be employed when the proposed reorganisation of local government has been completed. [24532]

Mr. Robin Squire

Under section 88 of the Education Act 1994, each local education authority has to have a chief education officer. Berkshire has one. Following reorganisation, each new LEA in the Berkshire area will have one.

Mr. Berry

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a statement on the expected provision, quality and accountability of education services in the Reading urban area when that area is governed by three education authorities under the proposed reorganisation of local government in Berkshire. [24534]

Mr. Robin Squire

The Government's aim in reorganising local government is to improve cost-effectiveness and the quality and co-ordination of local services. The role of local education authorities will not change specifically as a result of the reorganisation of local government. It will be for the new LEAs to play their part in ensuring that the education service is run at least as effectively as now.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Education for how many schools and pupils each of the proposed unitary authorities in England will have responsibility. [24583]

Mr. Robin Squire

The information requested is not yet available.