Is Choice a Virtue?

An irritating politician was on the radio a little while ago, saying how important it was to give parents choice in their children's education "because parents know best". Do I? I'm not sure that I do. I'm not qualified in education/teaching and I'm not confident I know all the criteria on which to assess a school and its staff.

Then there was an interview with a health minister. Apparently it's important that patients can make informed choices about their health care as they know best. No I don't. If I'm ill I want someone who knows what they are talking about, and who is competent in administering treatment to get on with it. How should I know what's the best way to treat my condition. By all means ask my consent, and feel free to discuss the options, but let's not pretend I'm an expert.