"Excellence in Schools"

HC Deb 13 November 1997 vol 300 cc667-8W

31. Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he has responded to the consultation on the White Paper "Excellence in Schools". [14354]

Mr. Byers

We received approximately 8,000 responses to the full and summary versions of the White Paper and are considering them all carefully. In response, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already announced a strengthening of the proposed new framework for the organisation of schools, designed to enable schools to remain firmly focused on raising standards. These changes illustrate this Government's commitment to genuine consultation. Further policy announcements in response to the White Paper will be made as appropriate.