Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Gove and David Hanson

Monday 21st November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab)]

22. What assessment he has made of the findings of the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on trends in education and schools spending.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove)]

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave a wee while ago.

[Mr Hanson]

The report says that spending on 16 to 19-year-olds’ education has fallen by more than 4%. At the same time, an Association of Colleges report shows that half of all colleges have seen a significant drop in enrolment by 16 to 19-year-olds, including in some cases a drop of up to 15%. Does the Secretary of State think that the two are by any chance related?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Gove and David Hanson

Monday 7th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab)]

Under the Academies Bill, the sole arbiter of applications for academies is the governing body. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the wider community has an interest in this matter? Not only the governing body should be included, but parents, local authorities and the wider community so that it understands the needs of the many and not just the few.

[Michael Gove]

It is because I am committed to the needs of the many and not just the few that I want to see this programme, which has done so much to raise attainment for disadvantaged children, move forward. I would like to see governors and head teachers working with other schools and other groups within the community to drive up attainment. That is why those who currently lead our schools will, I know, have those conversations. I prefer to give them the freedom to do so rather than to patronise and to busybody by insisting that they do so.