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Education and Inspections Bill

I am grateful to the Minister for his recognition that distortion of admissions policy occurs on the ground, unlike Conservative Front-Bench Members who were unwilling to accept that fact. I am pleased that the Minister has indicated that he will look at pilots, but I would have had more confidence in his commitment to do so if he had drafted a permissive clause or enabling regulations, such as those on banding or transport, so that the pilots can go ahead. My fear is that under pressure, perhaps from faith schools, the proposal will be kicked into the long grass. It is a point of principle for the Liberal Democrats. We are not willing to support greater freedom for schools to control their admissions without extra safeguards. Despite the Minister’s assurances, I shall have to test the opinion of the House on the new clause. We want the provision to be included. I hope that, perhaps in the other place, the Government will consider drafting enabling regulations or a permissive clause so that safeguards can be included in the Bill. Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:— It being more than five hours after the commencement of proceedings, Mr. Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that hour, pursuant to Order [23 May]."‘(1) ‘The Secretary of State shall by regulations make such provision as he considers necessary or expedient which may include the repeal, amendment or revocation of any legislation enacted prior to the coming into effect of this Act, for the purposes of giving full effect to the principle set out in subsection (2).""(2) The principle referred to in subsection (1) is that no admission arrangements for any school providing secondary education may, following the commencement of a school year on or after 1st August 2010, continue to make provision for the selection of pupils by ability or aptitude other than under section 101 of SSFA 1998 (permitted selection: pupil banding) unless the continuation of such selection has been approved in a ballot of parents of pupils attending primary schools from which such pupils may by choice of their parents transfer.'. —[Mr. Chaytor.]" Brought up, and read the First time. Motion made, and Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:— The House proceeded to a Division.