Written question asked by Gerry Steinberg (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 January 1997. It was answered by Robin Squire (Conservative) on Monday, 13 January 1997 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: What assessment she has made of the recent Audit Commission report on the Government's policies in respect of parental choice over school places and provision.

Answer: Mr. Steinberg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the recent Audit Commission report on the Government's policies in respect of parental choice over school places and provision. [10406] Mr. Robin Squire: The Audit Commission's report "Trading Places" covers some important topics. I welcome the attention it gives to removing surplus places, which we have been emphasising for some time. I also welcome its acknowledgement that Government policies have driven up standards. I am, however, disappointed with some of the simplistic conclusions the commission draws. There is no mismatch between LEAs' responsibilities and their powers. LEAs can determine their own priorities. They retain all the powers they need to manage the supply of school places and to respond, with other providers, to parental choice. It remains true that some LEAs have been rather slow in removing surplus places.

Secondary information