§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department has spent to date on promoting the development of self-governing status for local authority schools; and what action it has taken to do this. [7164]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonIn line with usual practice for legislation, the Scottish Office education and industry department has published factual advice about the Self-Governing Schools etc. (Scotland) Act 1989 which explains all matters relating to self-governing schools and the procedures set out in that Act. These publications are for the benefit of school boards, parents, teachers and others wishing to be fully informed about these matters. The costs are met from general departmental provision and are not separately identifiable. In addition the Department organised a national conference in September 1993 which was attended by over 200 delegates representing schools and other bodies throughout Scotland.
In October 1996, following competitive tender, my right hon. Friend appointed Mr. Ian Dutton, a former Director of Education of Borders regional council, as a consultant on self-governing matters. His role is to provide information and support to existing self-governing schools and to school boards, parents and others wishing to consider the option of their school becoming self-governing, or simply wishing to know more about the practical aspects of this policy.