School Governors

Oral Answers to Questions — Education and Science – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 8 November 1988.

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Photo of Alan Haselhurst Alan Haselhurst , Saffron Walden 12:00, 8 November 1988

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the full quota of school governors under the statutory arrangements has been obtained; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Mrs Angela Rumbold Mrs Angela Rumbold , Mitcham and Morden

The information available so far from local authorities suggests that most schools are successfully filling all the places on their governing bodies.

Photo of Alan Haselhurst Alan Haselhurst , Saffron Walden

Does my hon. Friend agree that this is a gratifying response in the first year in which extended opportunities for gubernatorial positions have been available? In view of the importance of forging closer links between school and industry, is she satisfied from the returns so far that a goodly proportion of people with business experience are taking up those positions?

Photo of Mrs Angela Rumbold Mrs Angela Rumbold , Mitcham and Morden

Yes. We are extremely satisfied with the response that we have received from parents in the election of parent-governors. In those authorities where they have managed fully to constitute their governing bodies, we are also delighted to see that there has been fair representation from business and industry. When I visited my hon. Friend's county of Essex yesterday, I found that the county has been particularly successful in that venture.

Photo of Mr Bob Cryer Mr Bob Cryer , Bradford South

Will the Minister make sure that there are no deterrents to people becoming school governors, such as the establishment of a CTC, as has happened in Bradford, where the establishment of a CTC may well threaten the existence of secondary schools? If that is the case, as seems likely, people will not be enthusiastic to become governors and it will be yet another blow against the state sector, as was the establishment of CTCs in the first place.

Photo of Mrs Angela Rumbold Mrs Angela Rumbold , Mitcham and Morden

There is no need for the hon. Gentleman to worry. There is a need for new schools in Bradford, and the governing bodies will be constituted by the normal procedures of electing both parents and business men. He can be assured that in Bradford of all places a CTC will be welcomed by the community and needed by the pupils.