Schools: Free Schools

Debate between Lord Nash and Lord Hamilton of Epsom

Wednesday 14th May 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

The primary responsibility rests with the governors who entered into the contract with IES. I know, because I have been involved in this, that they are monitoring the company closely to ensure that performance improves.

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom (Con)]

My Lords, in view of the hostility to free schools that we hear from both Liberal Democrats and the party opposite, does this mean that if by some extraordinary misfortune—it is very unlikely—we ended up with a Lib-Lab coalition, we would see a return to bog standard comprehensives?

[Lord Nash]

Or, worse, the situation that we have in Wales. The party opposite seems to have gone remarkably quiet on free schools recently and I can only assume therefore that, reluctantly, qui tacet consentire.

Childcare Ratios

Debate between Lord Nash and Lord Hamilton of Epsom

Thursday 9th May 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Nash]

My Lords, we are in consultation and we are listening. We are focused, as the noble Baroness said, on better-quality childcare with more qualified staff.

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom]

My Lords, is it not right that, if we are consulting, we should go through the consultation process and not pronounce until that is finished? Surely it is right in those circumstances that members of this coalition Government keep their views to themselves until that consultation has been completed.

[Lord Nash]

I am grateful for my noble friend’s question and confirm that we are considering the consultation.