Oral Answers to Questions

Rebecca Harris Excerpts

Monday 24th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) (Con)]

8. What plans he has to increase the diversity of secondary school places available in Essex.

[Mr Speaker]

A Minister to the Dispatch Box, please.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws)]

I apologise, Mr Speaker.

Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that there are enough school places to meet demand in their areas. The Government are committed to improving quality and choice through the expansion of the academies programme, university technical colleges and sixth forms, and through the opening of free schools.

[Rebecca Harris]

The Minister will be aware that Essex county council is currently consulting on proposals to close the Deanes school—most recently rated by Ofsted as “good” with elements of “outstanding”—in my constituency. Clearly, the loss of the school will greatly reduce choice for parents, so will the Minister meet me to discuss the options to try to resist the plans?

[Mr Laws]

In spite of my tardiness in rising to the Dispatch Box, I am aware of the situation at the Deanes school and of my hon. Friend’s robust representation, as always, of the concerns of her constituents. Although the matter is primarily one for the local authority, as she will understand, I would be delighted to meet her to discuss the issues on the ground, which I know are of great importance to many of her constituents.