HC Deb 13 November 2001 vol 374 cc718-9W
Mr. Damian Green

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what are the statutory provisions that govern schools in the state sector being run by private sector firms.[14578]

Mr. Timms

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 5 November 2001,Official Report, column 46W.

Mr. Damian Green

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which schools in the state sector are run by private firms.[14576]

Mr. Timms

No schools in the state sector are run by private firms. The legal responsibility for running a school rests with the governing body and head teacher, even where they are supported by expertise from the private sector.

Mr. Damian Green

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations she has received in the last year from local education authorities wanting to hand the running of a state school over to the private sector. [14577]

Mr. Timms

There have been no representations in the last year from local education authorities wanting to hand over the running of a state school to the private sector. State schools cannot be run by the private sector, although local education authorities and schools may enter into contracts for support to governing bodies.