In 1970 a Conservative government was returned for four years. The Education Secretary enthusiastically signed a large number of comprehensive schemes presented to them (out of 3612 proposals only 326 were turned down). Who was this?

In 1951 the provisions of the 1944 Education Act were still being implemented. The new Tory government faced the reality of comprehensive schools in most parts of the country, and a greatly expanded university sector. More changes over the 50s, 60s and 70s meant that, by the time of the Conservative government in 1979, much had changed.