HC Deb 26 October 2000 vol 355 cc189-90W
35. Mr. Burgon

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment under what circumstances the services provided by the proposed Joint Venture Company will return to the sole control of Leeds local education authority. [132624]

Ms Estelle Morris

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.