Education (Schools) Bill — Transitional Arrangements for Existing Assisted Pupils — 10 Jun 1997

Considered in Committee [Progress, 5 June].

Amendment proposed [ 5 June ], No. 11, in page 2, line 1, to leave out subsection (2).--[ Mr. Forth .]

Question again proposed , That the amendment be made.

The Secretary of State replied using terms similar to those that he has used today. He said:

"I am very clear, and so is the Bill, that assisted places will remain in primary education up to the normal age of transfer at 11. Where an alternative transfer age applies in that area, the Secretary of State will have discretion, and my ministerial team and I will use it wisely to ensure that we do not have a situation where 500,000 youngsters transfer at 11, but other people think that they can transfer at 13, even if 13 is not the normal transferable age in that locality."--[ Official Report , 2 June 1997; Vol. 295, c. 27.]

He went on to say--recklessly, the Committee may think:

"Conservative Members find that an extraordinary proposition."--[ Official Report , 14 May 1997; Vol. 294, c. 62.]

That is about as specific a promise as one could possibly have, and it is clearly given.

this Government will be to put children before dogma. It will be to ensure that the interests of our children come first on every occasion."--[ Official Report , 15 May 1997; Vol. 294, c. 183.]

Question put, That the amendment be made:--

The Committee divided: Ayes 147, Noes 400.

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