§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those local education authorities in England that have adopted action plans to tackle institutional racism since publication of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry report; what those action plans propose; and what action those local education authorities have undertaken to implement those plans. [111106]
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§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 22 February 2000]: Our "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" guidance gives advice to Local Education Authorities; schools and governors about dealing with racial incidents in schools. Local Education Authorities should be able to provide assistance to schools dealing with racial harassment and bullying, within the guidelines we have issued. It is for Local Education Authorities to decide how best to support schools in addressing racism, without imposing additional burdens on them. Information on the action taken by Local Education Authorities to help schools deal with racism is not held centrally.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's Action Plan and first Annual Report set out what the Government have achieved, and action yet to be taken across the public services, to respond to the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report. In addition, this Department published a Memorandum on its response to the three recommendations of Inquiry Report which relate to education. Copies have been placed in the Library.
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those local education authorities in England that have established strategies for working with the police in relation to racist incidents committed against or by pupils and students of the LEA. [110368]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 22 February 2000]: Our "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" guidance, issued in July 1999, makes clear that all Local Education Authorities should receive annual information from school governing bodies on the pattern and frequency of racist incidents in schools. It is for Local Education Authorities to decide how best to develop strategies to support schools, pupils and students in addressing racism, in the light of the information they receive each year. This would include joint working with local police forces, where this is appropriate.