Local Education Authorities: Ethnic Groups

Mr. Iain Wright
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance his Department provides to local education authorities on black and minority ethnic representation on independent appeals panels.

Jim Knight
The current Admission Appeals Code of Practice and relevant regulations do not give specific guidance on this issue. However, I agree that the issue should be addressed, and will ensure that guidance is included in the new Appeals Code, which we intend to bring into force in January 2008.