---

Business of the House

I recognise the concern that has been caused to my hon. Friend’s constituents. The Government’s position is clear: it is for local education authorities rather than for Ministers to determine school provision in their area. That is a matter for school organisation committees, but that policy does not appear to be followed with any consistency by Conservative-controlled local authorities, which act as they think fit, and not according to the policy that the Conservative party leader set out.