HL Deb 08 July 1998 vol 591 cc136-7WA
Baroness Blatch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, under the proposals set out in the School Standards and Framework Bill, in the event that an organisation committee is unable to agree on a matter for determination and the matter is referred to the adjudicator, the adjudicator could:

  1. (a) agree with the majority viewpoint;
  2. (b) agree with the minority viewpoint;
  3. (c) reject both (a) and (b) in favour of determining an alternative solution. [HL2485]

The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)

Where a school organisation plan is referred to the adjudicator, the adjudicator may select any option put forward by the school organisation committee, or propose a further option to the committee. However, the adjudicator may not impose an option on the committee with which none of the groups on the committee is in agreement. Where a school organisation proposal is referred to the adjudicator, the adjudicator may approve the proposal, reject it or, after consultation, approve it with modifications, such as a change in the implementation date.