Clause 1 - purpose and interpretation of chapter 1
Education Bill
10:45 am
Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)
I am delighted that the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner) immediately nails his colours to the mast by effectively saying that he does not want LEAs to have a role. Indeed, a previous Administration made exactly those claims. In the Tory party's manifesto at the last election, its express policy was to get rid of LEAs, make all schools free and have some 24,000 admissions authorities and organisations running around the country. The Tories are entitled to their vision, but I certainly do not share it, and I take issue with the hon. Gentleman and the assumption that the education system was failing.
The reality is that today, as 10 or even 30 years ago, parts of the system are delivering a sub-standard product. I can point to schools in my constituency that 10 or 20 years ago were as successful as they are today. In fact, one might even argue that some were more successful. We would find exactly the same situation in every hon. Member's constituency.
With the amendment, we are asking the Government about the the role of LEAs. Amendment No. 74 is also a probing amendment. Included in the amendment—