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29 Jan 2009 : Column WA82
Schools: Admissions
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Statement by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin on 4 December 2008 (WS 20—21), how the revised codes concerning the school admission system will ensure that children living in rural areas forced to apply to the local authority controlling the area in which they live will not be disadvantaged by having to travel long distances to attend school. [HL570]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families (Baroness Morgan of Drefelin): Local authorities must ensure that their admission and transport policies ensure fair access to educational opportunity as required by Section 13A of the Education Act 1996.
For those children living in rural areas there can be a limited number of schools to which it is reasonable for parents to apply, and the School Admissions Code is clear that admission authorities should take account of the time it will take to travel to school, as well as the safety of travel when setting their oversubscription criteria. The regulations currently before Parliament will improve the co-ordination of admissions and make it easier for local authorities to ensure that admission arrangements do not disadvantage children living in particular areas and to ensure that all children have a place at a suitable school.
It is for the local authority to determine the pattern of provision most appropriate to its area, including whether there is sufficient suitable provision for children living in rural areas where travelling to school may be more difficult.
Schools: A-levels
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin on 20 January (WA 194—95), whether future issues of Outcome Indicators for Children Looked After will indicate how many (a) boys, and (b) girls, achieved GCSE grades A*—C, including mathematics and English. [HL997]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families (Baroness Morgan of Drefelin): There are no plans at present to include this information in future issues of Outcome Indicators for Children Looked After. However, the Government do recognise the usefulness of more detailed information in terms of its potential to lead to improved outcomes. We are therefore exploring ways of obtaining
29 Jan 2009 : Column WA83
Transport: Lorries
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many lives could be saved by installing class 6 forward facing mirrors on United Kingdom lorries not currently covered by European Union legislation. [HL961]
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Lord Adonis): Based on 2007 road casualty statistics, we estimate that up to three lives per annum could be saved by the use of a class 6 front mirror. A cost-benefit study carried out for the European Commission in preparation for the recent legislation on improving vision from large goods vehicles concluded that requiring the installation of a front mirror was not justified. This decision took account of a range of issues including safety benefits, costs, fleet turnover and the practicalities of retrofitting mirrors to older vehicles.
29 Jan 2009 : Column WA84
Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe
Question
Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have had discussions with other European and African nations to devise a plan to replace Robert Mugabe's regime through militarily supported action; and, if so, whether such action will be preceded by detailed planning for the establishment and restoration of a properly functioning administration supported by a viable currency. [HL813]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): We do not believe that an external military intervention in Zimbabwe would be desirable or viable. We have not raised this as an option with any other Government. The situation in Zimbabwe is critical, and we believe that President Mugabe is an obstacle to forming a Government who can start to address the country's problems. But those working for change and reform in Zimbabwe are not calling for military intervention. Their—and our—primary focus is on the humanitarian situation and the alleviation of suffering. We are providing £47 million in humanitarian aid this year, including a £10 million package to tackle cholera and support essential health services.
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