Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Sammy Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Wednesday, 15 March 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Education Order

Question: : Despite the Secretary of State's blustering defence of the proposals, the Minister will be aware that in the last consultation 90 per cent. of respondents opposed the proposed changes. Her refusal to accept that view has caused increasing anger. Those changes should be rightly decided by local people in the Assembly, which the Secretary of State is determined to set up, so does she not agree that it is for local people to make that local decision?

Answer: If the hon. Gentleman wants those decisions to be made in a devolved Assembly he knows the route that he must take. While the Assembly is suspended, the Government will make decisions. I fail to understand how academic selection at the age of 11 can be the appropriate way to decide the right pathways to education for young people.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 443 c1445
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Devolved matters Admissions Northern Ireland Schools Secondary education Transfer procedure tests
Legislation: Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk