Education 'captured'
From John Blundell Sir: I congratulate Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth for their two fascinating articles on our failing schools (Look back in anger', 3 February; 'Liberate schools', 10 February). They hint at the greatest mystery of all — the refusal of politicians to allow real parental choice. In my view, freeing schools from municipal monopoly would ensure huge electoral advantage to its exponents. As matters stand, the 'producers' have totally captured education from their 'customers'.
When, as education secretary, Margaret Thatcher attended the centenary celebration of the 1870 Forster Education Act, which made local authority provision mandatory, her next appointment was to launch a campaign against adult illiteracy. Could they be connected? All three parties seem intimidated by the interest groups in schooling. Only one interest matters — the pupils and their parents.
John Blundell Director General, Institute of Economic Affairs, London SW1
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