Secondary Education (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

Oral Answers to Questions — Education and Science – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 December 1973.

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Photo of Mr John Golding Mr John Golding , Newcastle-under-Lyme 12:00, 11 December 1973

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to announce a decision on the reorganisation of secondary education in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Photo of Mr Timothy Raison Mr Timothy Raison , Aylesbury

My right hon. Friend approved in July some of the proposals to reorganise secondary education in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Because the desired transfer of Newcastle Church of England Secondary School did not accord with Section 16 of the Education Act 1944 the local education authority was asked to reconsider the other related proposals. We are awaiting a reply.

Photo of Mr John Golding Mr John Golding , Newcastle-under-Lyme

Is the Minister aware that even the proposals that were approved in July—or parts of them—seem to be held up because of a shortage of steel? Is he also aware that parents and teachers are utterly fed up with the Staffordshire County Council and the Department not being able to find a solution to the Church of England school problem, thereby facilitating the reorganisation of secondary education in my Constituency?

Photo of Mr Timothy Raison Mr Timothy Raison , Aylesbury

I am afraid that I cannot answer the hon. Gentleman's first point about a shortage of steel, but I assure him that discussions are taking place between the local authority and my Department.

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