§ Mr. GunnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment under what circumstances the services to be operated by the proposed joint venture company in Leeds will be returned to the sole control of the LEA. [132513]
§ Ms Estelle Morris[holding answer 25 July 2000]: Leeds City Council, the local education authority, will be responsible for ensuring that services to schools, pupils and parents in Leeds are delivered on its behalf to an agreed specification under the contractual arrangement with the proposed joint venture company. The joint venture company will take day-to-day responsibility for delivery, and will have the power to take the necessary operational decisions. The contract will be for a fixed period, not yet determined. Towards the end of the contract, the Secretary of State and Leeds City Council will need to come to a view on arrangements for the future delivery of relevant services.