The Ulster Unionist Party and the Conservatives, have failed in a final attempt in the House of Lords, to retain the 11-plus transfer examination in Northern Ireland.

Both party's intended to have the approval of the Education (NI) Order 2006 delayed, and had tabled an amendment delaying the legislation until the people of Northern Ireland had the opportunity to approve the proposals, however this was rejected by a majority vote of 172 against, to 97 for a government majority of 75, with Labour and Liberal Democrat peers opposing it.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain, suggested that the Northern Ireland Assembly be allowed to have the final say in the decision if an all-party, power-sharing executive is restored by the November 24 deadline.

However, Northern Ireland Conservative spokesman, Lord Glentoran, dismissed the proposal as blackmail, and accused the Minister of trying to force unionist's into a devolved government with republicans.

Peter Hain responded that he was pleased with the Lords decision to confirm the Eduction order.

He said: "This is very good news for every child in Northern Ireland and if people disagree with this they have the remedy in their own hands by restoring devolved government to Northern Ireland by November 24."

The Education order was approved by a House of Commons Standing Committee last month by 15 votes to eight.

The government has controversially pushed ahead with moves to abolish the 11-plus academic selection process in the province, since the then education minister, Martin McGuinness in October 2002, called for the current system to be scrapped.

The last 11-plus transfer test is scheduled to take place in 2008, and former Education Minister Angela Smith declared that by 2009 schools would be able to accept pupils based on a "menu of criteria."

(EF/SP)